Archie Gray, an 18-year-old midfielder from Durham, made 52 appearances at right-back and in the depths of midfield for Leeds United this season, helping the team compete for promotion to the Premier League in the Championship until the final stages.
He has quickly become one of England’s hottest young prospects and has attracted the interest of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, and was selected for England’s U-21 squad in March 2024, and is likely to make it into the country’s full squad in a few years’ time.
According to Ben Jacobs (sports journalist), Liverpool have already been in contact with those close to the player, including him, and appear to have a good relationship.
However, he also reported that he would be surprised if any moves were made to acquire the player at this stage.
“Look at Liverpool who are very close to the Gray family,”
“I know for a fact that the player, his family and the people around him respect people at Liverpool that have made contact with the Gray camp. Particularly the chief scout at Liverpool, Barry Hunter, who’s a top operator.”
“I would be relatively surprised if the clubs being mentioned, particularly Liverpool, come in right now for this kind of move,”
“Unless they’re prepared to sign him in order to own him and get ahead in the race and then loan him back to Leeds United. Because how many games would he play next season under Arne Slot.”
“In the Gray family’s opinion, the best place for him right now is still ultimately at Leeds United. It’s going to take something pretty special or pretty urgent financially speaking from Leeds’ perspective to change that.”
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As the journalist mentions, the walls are thick with Japan midfielder Wataru Endo and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, and it will be extremely difficult to get playing time at Anfield next season, when 19-year-old midfielder Stefan Bajcetic also returns.
He could start in several positions, including right-back, but it is best to give him at least one more year in the Championship to hone his skills.
Also, defensive midfielders are not high on the priority list for reinforcements this summer, so it seems unlikely that Liverpool will invest the budget.