Archie Gray completed a permanent move to join Tottenham Hotspur from Leeds United earlier this summer and now, Robbie Keane has given his verdict on the transfer.
Gray, 18, joins Spurs after clocking up more than 50 appearances for Daniel Farke’s Leeds last term. He was a key part in a side that went all the way to the Championship play-off final, losing 1-0 at Wembley.
But Gray is in the Premier League despite that, as Spurs paid £40m to sign the England U21 star from Leeds this summer. A deal that allowed Leeds to use a quarter of that fee to sign Joe Rodon permanently.
Gray’s exit caused a stir among Leeds supporters, with fans fuming that The 49ers would even entertain the sale of a Thorp Arch academy product with huge potential and a strong family connection at Leeds.
Keane gives verdict on Gray’s move to Tottenham from Leeds
But off he went anyway, in a bit of a saga that saw Gray initially speak to Aston Villa before travelling initially to West London to undergo a medical with Thomas Frank’s Brentford, then choosing Spurs.
Gray has since caught the eye at Spurs, impressing during pre-season as a makeshift centre-back. Keane, a former Leeds player and coach under Sam Allardyce and a Tottenham icon, gave his take on the deal.
He told The Boy Hotspur: “I know Archie Gray very well, having coached him at Leeds, and I think he’s a great signing for Spurs. His potential is very, very high and he’s a lovely lad. “Tottenham is a really good fit
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“I think he’s got a great chance to go all the way. He played a lot at right-back for Leeds last season, but he is definitely a midfield player so I’m interested to see where Ange Postecoglu plays him,” Keane said.
What Son Heung-min’s first impressions are of Gray since joining
Those who have been watching Tottenham’s pre-season games, both Leeds and Spurs fans, have made it clear on social media that Gray already looks like a brilliant signing for Ange Postecoglou’s exciting side.
His form despite being in a new position has been excellent, starring in games against Hearts and Vissel Kobe. Speaking while out in Japan, Spurs captain Son said Gray [and Lucas Bergvall] can go all the way.
“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.”