Leeds United have released a shock statement after selling Archie Gray to Tottenham for £30million, blaming the teenager’s release clause for his departure.
Gray’s move to Spurs was confirmed on Tuesday morning, with the 18-year-old leaving his boyhood club after making 52 appearances and starring in their run to the Championship play-off final last season.
However, Leeds suffered disappointment at Wembley as they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton. Having failed to secure promotion to the Premier League, Leeds were left with the need to raise funds this summer and have revealed they reluctantly allowed Gray to leave after Spurs triggered a release clause in his contract.
A club statement released on Tuesday morning read: ‘Leeds United can confirm that Archie Gray has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, after the north London side met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to gain promotion at the first attempt.
‘Understanding the appeal of the Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed to the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to finally return Leeds to a position where it can fulfil the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars.
Archie Gray has completed his £30m transfer from Leeds to Tottenham
He signed the deal Tuesday morning as the Spurs edged out the competition for his signature.
Gray made 52 appearances for Leeds last season but has now left his boyhood club.
‘While we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a homegrown talent and a name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chances of challenging for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations.
“Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own pass away and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism. He leaves with best wishes for his future career and knowing that Leeds will always be his home.”
Leeds’ statement blaming Gray’s release clause received little sympathy from fans, who were left furious online at the club’s decision to let Gray go.
“Heartbroken? Just be realistic – you gambled on a promotion last year by including the clause, and you’ve been told you were cheated so you have no choice but to blame Archie. Either way, this whole thing has been manipulated,” one fan wrote on X.
“Those annoying clauses you keep putting in contracts. Go into the sea with your ‘broken heart’ nonsense!” added another.
“It takes a heart to have it broken,” one follower posted alongside several money bag emojis, suggesting Leeds had chosen the cash rather than trying to keep one of their own.
The mood is different at Spurs, however, having overcome the competition to secure Gray’s signature.
They posted on X: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United. Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur, Archie!”, alongside a photo of the teenager holding his Spurs shirt.
Gray, 18, is Spurs’ third signing of the summer after they opted to extend Timo Werner’s loan from RB Leipzig for another year and brought in exciting youngster Lucas Bergvall from Swedish club Djurgarden.
Tottenham looked destined to lose Gray on Saturday when Brentford held talks with Leeds over a £35million fee for the midfielder.
This sparked a furious reaction from Leeds fans, who expressed their dismay at the potential loss of one of their homegrown talents, who is also the nephew of club legend Eddie.
Talks between Brentford and Leeds subsequently failed to materialise but Tottenham were quick to sign their man, and this has not gone down well with Leeds supporters.
But Tottenham have continued their busy start to the transfer window as they look to build on a promising first season under Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs missed out on a Champions League spot last season after losing form in recent weeks, and Postecoglou admitted he needed to strengthen his squad this summer to take his side to the next level.
Gray will bring versatility to the north London club, having played in central midfield and at right-back for Leeds.
He has already excited Tottenham fans about what he could bring to the team after footage resurfaced of him putting in an impressive display against Chelsea in the FA Cup last season.
Leeds have signed Joe Rodon for £10m after he spent last season on loan at the club.
Gray’s arrival at Spurs also marks the end of another Tottenham career, as Rodon moves to Elland Road on a permanent basis.
The 26-year-old defender moved to Tottenham in 2020 from Swansea but was limited to 24 appearances in his first two seasons at the club.
He was loaned to Ligue 1 side Rennes for the 2022-23 season and then spent last year on loan at Leeds.
Rodon was a regular in Daniel Farke’s side and has now permanently joined Leeds, who are hoping to bounce back from their play-off misery next season.