Sheffield Wednesday legend and EFL pundit Carlton Palmer believes Leeds United could be forced to sell Archie Gray in the future amid reports linking him with a move to the Premier League.
At the weekend, The Sun reported that both Crystal Palace and Everton were keeping tabs on the young midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
On his exclusive Patreon, journalist Alan Nixon claimed that the Peacocks may be forced to sell the teenage sensation should they fail to achieve promotion back to the top flight of English football as parachute payments will reduce to 45% from next season.
Gray has been superb under Daniel Farke this season and has featured in every single Championship outing so far, being one of the standout performers during Leeds’ 3-0 win over Millwall at The Den two weeks ago.
Given his age and capabilities on the pitch, it may not come as a surprise that there is already interest from the Premier League. However, Carlton Palmer believes that Leeds may be forced to sell Gray even if the club achieves promotion under Farke.
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said [quotes via FLW]:
“If they do get promotion, and they do get a big money offer on the table, then it may force Leeds’ hand.
“It’s always important for a young player to be getting minutes, and he’s getting that and playing at Leeds United at such a tender age. He’s unlikely to move to a Premier League club and play every week, so it’d be best to stay where you are.
“The likelihood is, if he moved to a Premier League club in January, he would be loaned back to a Championship club anyway. So maybe, if Leeds do decide to sell, that might be a deal that they look to do.”
Writer’s View
Gray has been with Leeds since he was eight years old. There is a chance that the youngster doesn’t want to leave Elland Road, particularly if the club do make their way back to the Premier League.
Also, given how talented the academy product is, the offer from Palace, Everton or any other suitors would have to be substantial if Leeds were to even consider selling Gray next summer or possibly in January.
Be the first to comment