Leeds United has already had a rough summer window, with many players leaving and only four joining, and Robbie Fowler has commented on one piece of business.
Leeds confirmed the signing of Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United for £5 million on Saturday night, addressing the club’s lack of alternatives at right-back following many Elland Road departures this summer.
It comes after Luke Ayling, Cody Drameh, Rasmus Kristensen, Jamie Shackleton, and Connor Roberts all left Daniel Farke’s team. Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, and Joe Rothwell have all signed for Leeds thus far.
In terms of sales, the club has sold six players, one of whom stands out: Archie Gray. His £40 million move to Tottenham was primarily motivated by the club’s need for a huge sum of money for profit and sustainability concerns.
Fowler reflects on the ‘brutal’ selling. Leeds sale of Archie Gray
Leeds even confessed in a statement following Gray’s transfer that they were “heartbroken” to lose the Thorp Arch academy product, owing mostly to the family legacy he leaves behind at Elland Road.
Of course, grandfather Frank, great uncle Eddie, father Andy, and younger brother Harry have all worn the white of Leeds. Indeed, Harry Gray appeared in the club’s first friendly of the summer against Harrogate.
In his editorial for The Mirror (21/07, p73), former Leeds striker Fowler commented on Gray’s sale and the backlash it garnered, stating it’s the “price you pay” for failing to be promoted.
“Unfortunately, for Elland Road fans, this is the harsh reality of not being in the Premier League.” If they had gone back up, Gray might have stayed. The Gray family is also likely to experience mixed emotions.
“Especially Leeds legend Eddie. But until Leeds is a well-established Premier League club again, losing players like Archie is the price you pay [for not being in the Premier League].” Fowler said of Gray.
Gray’s departure now offers two silver linings for Leeds United duo.
His departure allowed Leeds to recruit Rodon, with a quarter of the money paid by Tottenham returned to Spurs for the Wales defender’s permanent transfer. This move appeased irate fans.
However, following Friday night’s victory over Harrogate, the participation of 15-year-old wonderkid Harry Gray has helped Leeds fans overcome their disappointment at Archie’s sale to Spurs, with the youngster playing fantastic.
He might be the next in line to shine for Leeds and carry on the family legacy. Josh Warrington recently told LeedsUnited.News that he thinks Leeds can win promotion and re-sign Gray for a club record sum.
