Leeds United fans will be confident that Archie Gray will stay this summer for a variety of reasons, but German media will have you believe otherwise.
The 18-year-old is on the radar of a number of major English and European teams following a remarkable 2023-24 season in which he appeared more than 50 times across all competitions as Leeds advanced to the play-offs.
However, failure in the play-off final means Leeds and Gray will remain in the Championship for another season, hoping to return to the Premier League at the second attempt under Daniel Farke.
Gray has stated on numerous occasions that he only wants to play for Leeds and has given the idea that he will stay put, whether in England’s second division or among the country’s finest.
According to German tabloid BILD, a leak from the “sensational” star’s entourage has revealed that he is ‘absolutely considering’ a move to a major Bundesliga club.
Archie Gray is pondering a switch to Champions League finalists
Leeds fans will not be surprised by Borussia Dortmund’s interest, since the German club is claimed to have been interested in the England U21 star for much of the season, especially now that Leeds have failed to advance.
Over the weekend, The Sun reported that Leeds were willing to trade Gray for a low fee of £20 million. However, this is significantly lower than the midfielder’s true value, which is likely to be double or more.
That rumor stated that Dortmund had been priced out of a trade, but BILD now claims that Dortmund remains highly interested, and a leak from Gray’s camp has indicated to the publication that he is also interested.
If Leeds want to sell Gray, Dortmund is the greatest choice.
For a variety of reasons, the first is that Leeds do not want to get promoted only to face a more experienced Gray, who may even have England caps by the time of a reunion.
Second, a move to Dortmund will enable Gray to thrive. It will not be the case that he goes to Tottenham or City and rots in the reserves before returning to the Championship, as Jack Clarke did after joining Spurs.
It remains to be seen whether Dortmund would pay Leeds’ asking price, although the appeal of joining a Champions League finalist is significant. Dortmund has also expressed interest in Leeds left-footer Ilia Gruev.
