Phil Hay has replied to reports that Archie Gray could leave Leeds United this summer if the club fails to win promotion to the Premier League.
Gray has been one of Leeds’ standout performances this season, having joined the club as a 17-year-old, with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United reportedly interested in signing the midfielder-turned-right-back.
When the potential of an exit was mentioned on The Square Ball podcast (8 March, 24:00), Hay failed to calm down.
“The real hand rigging begins when we don’t go up and we have to sell Archie Gray,” host Michael Normanton quipped, to which Hay instantly answered.
“What a happy thought,” he remarked cynically.
Archie Gray cannot leave Leeds United.
If Leeds fans could have one desire for the club’s present playing staff, it’s safe to say that majority would want Gray to never leave Elland Road.
The guy has joined the squad and has been simply magnificent in his performances, regardless of the opposition, and it’s no wonder that the media is already attempting to remove him from the club.
However, the player has already stated that he sees his long-term future with Leeds, and given that he is not even 18 years old, there is no reason for him to go if we are unable to deliver the possibilities he seeks.
If a player clearly outgrows Leeds and wishes to win trophies and play in Europe, fans will always understand, but it does not have to be now or in the near future.
Promotion would go a big way toward keeping him around and helping him reach his full potential, but it is not the end-all, and fans must stop thinking adversely about the situation.
