Leeds United are on the verge of losing Archie Gray this summer after reaching a verbal agreement with Brentford, according to Fabrizio Romano.
This story has developed quickly throughout the course of the day. It was reported this afternoon by BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella that the Bees had made a formal enquiry for the 18-year-old, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also interested.
Gray has just one season of senior football under his belt having made his debut for the Whites last August. Starting the opening day draw with Preston North End, the teenager became an ever-present under Daniel Farke as the club missed out on promotion.
Having embarked on a stunning unbeaten run at the turn of the year, Leeds pushed both Leicester City and Ipswich Town all the way in the race for the title. However, they fell short before losing in the play-off final against Southampton last month.
This failure means that the Yorkshire outfit will look to raise funds this summer. Top scorer Crysencio Summerville is expected to leave, as is winger Wilfried Gnonto. However, despite growing interest, there was a hope that Gray would remain at Elland Road.
Bundesliga giants such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have also been touted as a potential destination. Dortmund in particular are thought to be keen, citing their development of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho as a key selling point.
It looks as if a move to the Premier League may be on the cards though. Romano builds on Kinsella’s original report by stating that a verbal agreement has been made between the two clubs in a deal which could be worth £35 million.
🚨🔴⚪️ Brentford have reached verbal agreement with Leeds United over Archie Gray deal.
Club working on player side to finalize agreement on contract and complete medical tests.
Brentford, on it for £35m signing as @NizaarKinsella has reported. pic.twitter.com/XPErOdOiOk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2024
The versatile youngster, who can play at both right-back and an array of positions across the midfield, is under contract until 2028 having penned fresh terms in January.
Writer’s View
This is a major blow for Leeds. Although they have agreed a deal with Brentford, they are likely to have done so reluctantly. However, they need to raise money after missing out on Premier League football and Gray is one player who can command a significant fee.
David Ornstein claims a medical has been booked, but this news could spark other clubs into life. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the likes of Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea or Manchester United attempt a late swoop, although the Bees are clearly in pole position. Whoever secures his signature though will land a gem and a player who could become a staple within the England setup in the coming years.
