Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United.
Spurs struck an agreement which will see Gray join the club and Joe Rodon, the defender who spent last season on loan at Elland Road, go the other way.
Leeds have indicated the two deals are separate with Spurs set to pay £40million for Gray and Rodon heading the other way for £10m. The Spurs view is that they are paying £25m-30m for Gray with Rodon part of that agreement. Leeds confirmed in a club statement that Spurs had triggered Gray’s release clause triggered by their failure to win promotion from the Championship last season.
Gray, 18, has signed a six-year contract with Tottenham and becomes their third signing of the summer, following Timo Werner re-signing on loan for another season and Lucas Bergvall joining from Swedish side Djurgarden.
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The Athletic reported on Sunday that Gray had rejected a deal from Brentford in favour of joining Spurs. He held talks with Tottenham later on Sunday ahead of completing the move. Gray underwent a medical at Brentford on Saturday after agreeing personal terms with the west London club before deciding against the move.
Rodon, 26, made 50 appearances in all competitions for Leeds on loan last season and has signed a four-year contract at his new club. The Welsh centre-back previously played 24 times for Tottenham after joining from Swansea City in 2020.
Spurs tried to sign Gray shortly before he signed professional terms with Leeds at the age of 17, but he decided to stay at Elland Road. Gray enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Leeds last term — making 28 appearances in all competitions — and was a regular, in both midfield and at right-back, as Daniel Farke’s side reached the play-off final.
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“Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars,” a Leeds statement announcing Gray’s departure read.
“Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown 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.”
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Why Spurs wanted Gray
Analysis from Tottenham correspondent Jay Harris
Tottenham’s recruitment department has been revamped over the last 12 months and technical director Johan Lange has spoken publicly about bringing in the best young talent in the world.
Gray’s arrival continues a trend which was started in the winter window with the signings of Radu Dragusin (22) and Bergvall (18).
Gray — who will wear the No 14 for his new side — will offer Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou another option in central midfield and, alongside Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr (21), he could form part of their spine for the next decade.
Gray’s preferred position is central midfield but he spent the majority of last season playing at right-back for Leeds. This versatility is another reason why Spurs were attracted to him.
(Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)
