Tottenham have completed the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds in a deal that takes Joe Rodon back to Elland Road.
Gray, 18, has attracted plenty of admirers thanks to an impressive breakout season and after Brentford were unable to get a transfer over the line it opened the door for Spurs. The England Under-21 international has signed a six-year deal after Tottenham agreed to pay between £25m and £30m and allowed Rodon to return to Leeds on a permanent basis after he spent the past season on loan there.
Leeds’s failure to secure promotion via the Championship playoffs in May put pressure on them to make at least one lucrative sale to comply with financial fair play rules.
“Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a homegrown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations,” Leeds said. “Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart.” They said Spurs had “met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to get promoted at the first attempt”.
Gray flourished to become one of Leeds’s most valuable assets, making 52 appearances at right-back and in the centre of midfield. He made his league debut in August against Cardiff.
Gray is from a prestigious footballing family, with his great-uncle Eddie and father, Andy, former Leeds players. Archie won the Championship young player of the year award.
Chelsea were among other clubs to register an interest but Gray was convinced Tottenham were his best destination after talks with Ange Postecoglou and will get the chance to play in the Europa League.
Rodon signed for Spurs from Swansea in 2020 but played 24 times for the club before spending two seasons on loan, the first at Rennes and 23-24 with Leeds.