Leeds United News

Leeds United are in desperate need of adding some attacking quality in the next two weeks.

In the space of half a month, Leeds have lost 50 goal contributions out of their side from last season, with both Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter departing Elland Road.

Summerville was the first to make the move to West Ham United for £25 million, with Rutter set to follow him to the Premier League in a £40 million switch to Brighton.

Leeds had already been in the market for a new winger before Rutter’s exit, but Daniel Farke made it clear in his pre-West Brom press conference that another attacker is needed.

Ben Jacobs says Rutter leaving could see Leeds make an official offer for Jonathan Rowe, but Marseille is his preferred destination and other targets need to be looked at.

Tottenham new signing could hinder Leeds hopes of Manuel Benson deal

Providing Wilfried Gnonto stays, you would imagine he has that left-wing spot on lock. He showed last weekend how dangerous he can be in that position.

At least one of Leeds’ new attacking signings simply has to be a left-footed player who likes playing on the right, which is why it appears they have rekindled interest in Burnley’s Manuel Benson.

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Benson was a player of interest for Leeds in January but he instead opted to stay in Lancashire, a decision which ultimately back-fired given how little he played.

The 27-year-old was again an unused substitute at Luton Town on Monday and so there could be a possibility he wants to quit Turf Moor this month, and Leeds are among the clubs interested.

However, Leeds’ hopes of signing Benson may have just been dealt a blow with Burnley having sold Wilson Odobert to Tottenham Hotspur this morning.

Odobert was one of the wingers in front of Benson in the pecking order but with him gone, Burnley may not want to lose him, particularly given how good he was at this level last time.

Benson scored 11 goals in 33 appearances during Burnley’s last promotion season, and clearly could be a useful asset to replace Odobert, who scored in their 4-1 win at Kenilworth Road.

Leeds not the only Championship club selling

Though clearly this could impact Leeds’ hopes of signing Benson, Farke can take solace in the fact it is not only his side losing key players.

Odobert proved against Luton what a top player he could’ve been at this level, and despite the size of Burnley’s squad, there is no doubt this is a huge blow.

All of Leeds, Burnley and potentially even Sheffield United are at risk of losing players in the next two weeks, but the important thing for all three will be how they are replaced.

That said, it would be difficult to argue against the other two clubs being in a better position than Leeds right now.

Archie Gray has certainly made an impression at Tottenham Hotspur since swapping Leeds United for the North London club, starring for Ange Postecoglou’s side during pre-season.

The 18-year-old is one of seven players to have been sold by Leeds this summer as The 49ers staged a summer firesale in order to get cash in at Elland Road, having failed to gain promotion during 2023-24.

Gray is the most-expensive sale of the summer at Leeds, costing Spurs £40m. His move saw him become the club’s third-biggest transfer out of the club, behind only Barcelona’s Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

During pre-season at Spurs, he has started well. Whether that is Gray playing at centre-back against the likes of Hearts and during Tottenham’s tour of Japan, or catching the eye in two friendles against Bayern.

Gray posts on Instagram as competitive Tottenham debut awaits

That, or simply Gray’s attitude and personality off the pitch raising eyebrows among staff and players in North London. It could have easily been Aston Villa, with talks held a week before his move to Spurs.

Then, travelling to West London to undergo a Brentford medical before choosing Spurs. His move to the North London side allowed Leeds to conduct a permanent £10m move to sign defender Joe Rodon.

Gray took to Instagram following Tottenham’s final pre-season match, a 3-2 loss to Harry Kane and Eric Dier’s Bayern in which he came on at half-time for Pedro Porro at right-back, excited for the new season.

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He said: “Pre-season done, ready for the new season.”

Anthony teases Gray on Instagram following Leeds exit

Like Gray, Jaidon Anthony has left Leeds this summer and will return to the Premier League with parent club Bournemouth. Anthony struggled to make any kind of impression at Leeds during his loan last term.

Indeed, he was rarely first choice and failed to earn a permanent deal. He will now be competing to start at Bournemouth but the chances are, The Cherries may be willing to let him go if clubs are interested.

Anthony commented on Gray’s post, questioning his haircut as Gray gets ready for his Spurs debut – which could be against Leicester next Monday. Anthony said: “Ain’t found a barber in London yet?”

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.”

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.

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.

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“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.

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.

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“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.

Archie Gray has shed some more light on his decision to leave Leeds United for Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

With Leeds in need of a big player sale around the end of the financial year on June 30, Gray was the one sacrificed by the Whites as he moved to Spurs for around £40 million.

In the official club statement announcing his departure, Leeds claimed they were heartbroken to have had to let Gray go so early into his career at Elland Road.

Leeds supporters were sent into a state of frenzy on social media when it was first reported Gray would be leaving, predominantly due to the destination being Brentford.

However, Gray eventually asked Leeds to reject Brentford’s offer in favour of a move to Spurs, where he has been impressing during his first few weeks in North London.

Gray reveals family influence behind Leeds exit

Following the play-off final defeat to Southampton, Gray was arguably the asset Leeds fans were most reluctant to lose heading into the new season.

Gray himself had actually been content to stay at Leeds, but from both the club and players’ perspective, it was an offer that was too good to turn down.

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The 18-year-old’s family name is one that will forever hold a legacy at Leeds, with Gray’s great uncle Eddie, grandad Frank and dad Andy all having played for the club. His younger brother Harry has also been around the first team squad in pre-season.

Given his family have such a strong football background, they have been advising Gray throughout his career, including when he turned down Premier League clubs at the start of 2023.

However, speaking to Football.London, Gray has revealed how all those within his family circle encouraged him to make the move to Spurs at this time of his career.

He said: “At the start of the window I didn’t really know anything about [a potential transfer anywhere] and I was content to stay at Leeds, but as soon as I heard Tottenham were coming in I was like ‘I need to go there’.

“It’s a huge club and my dad said that too. He came to my room one morning and said ‘look, you’ve got to go to Spurs. It’s a massive club’.

“My grandad was saying it as well, he’s obviously done pretty well in his career, and he said at some point you’ve got to go to one of the biggest clubs in England and he thinks now is the right time and he thinks Spurs is a massive club as well.

“So, with people who have been advising me my whole life, I have to listen to them and I also wanted to do it too, so that was definitely a massive thing and since then I’ve enjoyed every second of it. So, definitely happy that I made that decision.”

How has Gray done at Spurs since leaving Leeds?

Of course, Spurs are still a few weeks away from their Premier League campaign getting underway, but it has not taken Gray long to make an impact.

For the first time in his young career, Gray played at centre-back on his Spurs debut against Hearts and showed his class as he did not look out of place.

Those behind-the-scenes also cannot believe just how humble Gray is, having to tell him its not his job to put the cones away after training, having done so as a youngster at Leeds.

It will certainly be interesting to see how he get on in the Premier League, as there is no doubt he will be a key player for Spurs almost right away.