An unlikely bromance formed during the 2023-24 season at Leeds United between Joe Rodon and Archie Gray and it was plain to see, with both commenting on each other’s Instagram often.
Gray, making his first foray into senior football as a tender 17-year-old and Rodon, a more experienced player with Swansea, Rennes and Tottenham on his CV prior to Leeds as well as plenty of Wales caps.
What might have brought the two together though was that both players came into the Leeds side at the same time under Daniel Farke. Rodon joining Leeds on loan at the same time of Gray’s breakthrough.
Gray shares what Rodon told Son Heung-min after Spurs arrival
Fitting then, that Gray’s move to Tottenham paved the way for Leeds to sign Rodon permanently. Talks to secure a £40m move to North London allowed Leeds to do a deal for Rodon, worth a quarter of that fee.
Had Gray chosen Aston Villa who held talks with Leeds a week prior, or Brentford with Gray travelling to West London for a medical before choosing Spurs, it is difficult to know if Rodon might have been signed.
Following his move to Spurs, Gray says Rodon told Spurs captain Son Heung-min to look after Gray in the capital. Speaking to Football London, Gray shares how Rodon spoke to Son about the 18-year-old star.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“He is really good friends with Joe Rodon and last year when Joe was at Leeds I was probably the closest with Joe when he joined and I think when I came here Joe told Sonny to look after me a little bit.
“He’s making me feel really welcome and just with little things like helping me speak to everyone and helping me into the group,” Gray told Football London, when asked about how he is settling in at Spurs.
“Heartbreaking” deal is a brilliant one for Leeds, Gray aside
Leeds described Gray’s exit as “heartbreaking” as they lost an academy product and not just a Thorp Arch gem, but one with such strong family ties to Elland Road. However, it is a deal that suits Leeds right now.
Gray had a big impact on the side but right now, not as much as Rodon. A leader, commanding and as Leeds push for promotion, Rodon is more important to this Leeds side now than Gray would have been.
Gray would have eclipsed Rodon in terms of quality and importance yes, but right now, Rodon in this Leeds side is pivotal. To have gained a £30m profit and Rodon is stunning business from The 49ers.