Archie Gray is already making headway at Tottenham Hotspur since his move from Leeds United and Son Heung-min, the North London club’s captain, has given his take on the teen.
Gray, 18, left Leeds earlier this summer after clocking up more than 50 appearances for the Yorkshire side during the 2023-24 campaign. But failure to go up forced Leeds into a sale of the Thorp Arch product.
Leeds needed to sell a big-name player in order not to fall foul of Profit & Sustainability Rules before the deadline on July 1 and despite Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto linked with an exit, Gray exited.
Tottenham spent a £40m fee to sign Gray from Leeds, though within the same transfer talks, the two clubs agreed a £10m move for Joe Rodon to join The Whites permanently leaving Leeds with a £30m profit.
Son Heung-min’s first impressions of Tottenham signing Gray
Since joining Spurs, Gray has featured in a new position under Ange Postecoglou. The Aussie manager has played Gray in the middle of his defence, against the likes of Hearts and Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
Gray was a new name in among Tottenham’s senior players last time out as Spurs secured victory against the Japanese outfit. Alongside fellow new young recruit Lucas Bergvall, Gray has caught the eye of Son.
Speaking to Football London, Son said: “Archie and Lucas are working really hard to show how good they are. Just a joy to watch. They just want to listen, want to learn. Those guys have amazing bright futures.
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“You watch them and every single day they impress me with their attitude and quality. I’m really enjoying watching them in training. They are young but they can make a huge impact, that is very important now.
“Age is not important. They should realise they play for Tottenham now and take big responsibility. I have no doubt that they will be very good. Let’s see what happens this season. I hope they’ll both be amazing.”
What Joe Rodon text Son about Gray after his Leeds exit
Leaving Leeds was deemed as heartbreaking by the club, as after only a season the fourth member of the Gray family dynasty chose to go. Leeds needed to sell of course, but Gray was seemingly keen on Spurs.
Taking the emotion out of the deal, it is great business from The 49ers. Rodon is more important than the majority of other players in this Leeds side right now, and promotion is a necessity for Leeds at this stage.