Archie Gray has signed a new long-term contract at Leeds United, extending his deal to 2028, the club have officially announced, having been first reported by journalist Phil Hay.
The 17-year-old midfielder has made over 28 appearances for his boyhood club this season, equally the club’s record of 26 league appearances before turning 18 last weekend in a 3-0 away win against Cardiff City.
The youngster has operated this year both in his natural midfield position as well as more regularly at his newfound right-back position under head coach Daniel Farke.
In 2023, the third generation of the Gray dynasty at Leeds United received his call-up for the England U20s squad after previously receiving 21 caps for England U15s, U16s, U17s and U19s. Having only signed his first professional contract last year upon turning 17, Gray has already extended his deal at Leeds from his previous agreement that ended in 2025.
✍️ #LUFC is delighted to announce Archie Gray has signed a new contract, committing his long-term future at Elland Road
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 16, 2024
According to The Daily Mail, The Peacocks have placed a £40 million price tag on the head of the young star, after reported interest from Premier League giants Liverpool. It was previously understood that with the player’s deal expiring at the end of next season, the Yorkshire side would have been forced to cash in their latest academy graduate. This, however, has now changed.
Speaking to club media, Gray expressed his delight in signing the fresh deal to extend his stay at Elland Road. The youngster said:
“It feels amazing, it’s another dream come true.
“It means a lot to me and my family, the club trust me and my family and hopefully I can repay it.”
He continued on to discuss his successful first season and the effect of Farke on his career so far:
“After working really hard in pre-season, I was hoping to play a bit this season, but I didn’t expect to be playing as much as I have been.
“The manager has helped me a lot… especially with positioning and little things with what foot to pass to and what foot to receive with and the right-back position, he’s helped me loads and it’s been really good so far.”
Gray finished with a spurring final statement for the club’s aspirations for this campaign:
“Obviously this season we want to get back to the place where we belong, but we’re taking it game by game and from there, we’ll see where it takes us.”
Writer’s View
This is great news for Leeds United fans, securing the future of their greatest academy asset in recent years and is another smart business decision from the new ownership group in West Yorkshire. As for the player, it is certainly good that he will be receiving more money for the big part played this season so far.
Whether Leeds can secure promotion to the top flight or remain in the Championship for the foreseeable future, it is essential for all parties that Gray continues to receive competitive game time going forward.
Sam writes for The Real EFL, covering all EFL tiers while pursuing a Sports Journalism degree at the University of South Wales.
