Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United have finalised the deal for Archie Gray.
Archie Gray was scheduled to have a physical at Brentford this past weekend, but Leeds turned down their £35 million bid; Tottenham then surreptitiously signed the eighteen-year-old midfield player for a fee ranging from £25 to £30 million. Joe Rodon changes direction as the defender signs a long-term contract to return to Leeds.
Archie Gray, a midfielder for Leeds United, has been signed by Tottenham Hotspur in a player-plus-cash move, bringing Joe Rodon back to Elland Road.
After an outstanding breakout season, Gray, 18, has gained a lot of admirers. On Sunday, Brentford's offer of almost £35 million was turned down.
Spurs were able to recruit the England Under-21 international on a six-year contract after paying a sum of between £25 million and £30 million to secure his services, with the added benefit of former loanee Rodon returning to Leeds permanently. This allowed Spurs to make a move for the player.
Leeds was under pressure to make at least one large sale in order to abide with financial fair play regulations after they were unable to earn promotion through the Championship play-offs in May.
After making his league debut against Cardiff in August, the adaptable Gray thrived under Leeds manager Daniel Farke the previous season, emerging as one of their most prized assets. Gray appeared in 52 games across all competitions at right-back and in the middle of midfield.
Archie comes from a wealthy football family; his father Andy and great-uncle Eddie Gray were all former Elland Road players. Archie was named Championship Young Player of the Year and was instrumental in the team's journey to the FA Cup fifth round.
Along with a number of other elite teams, Chelsea expressed interest in the Leeds academy graduate. However, following his conversation with Ange Postecoglou, Gray became certain that Tottenham was the ideal fit for him, and he will have the opportunity to play Europa League games with the north London team.
The Wales international Rodon has left Spurs after four years, moving in the opposite direction.
Rodon joined Tottenham from Swansea in 2020, however he only made 24 appearances for the team. His most recent appearance came two years ago when he came on as a late substitute against Burnley at the close of the 2021–2022 season.
The 26-year-old has returned to Leeds after spending the last two seasons on loan at Rennes and then Leeds after agreeing to a four-year contract.
