Leeds United were briefly second in the Championship this season and close to automatic promotion to the Premier League, but were overtaken by Ipswich Town and eventually finished third. They had to go to the play-offs.
They reached the play-off final, but lost by a single point to Southampton, who finished fourth in the league, and missed out on promotion to the top flight. This has led to a number of clubs turning the heat on Leeds, who have inevitably had to release key players in order to stabilise their finances.
Strong clubs are also interested in 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid all following his movements, while Bayern Munich are also in the running this summer, according to HITC reported.
The England U-21 midfielder, who is under contract until June 2028, has made 52 appearances as a right-back and defensive midfielder. He has produced a series of performances that are not unlike those of a teenager, with a low centre of gravity reminiscent of Declan Rice, tenacious defending and athleticism in the midfield.
Leeds United have no intention of letting go of the gem of the team’s future. As he is only 18 years old, he is well placed to develop in the Championship and joining a club where he may not be able to play regularly is likely to stunt his development.
Bayern’s growing interest is said to be due to the influence of Vincent Kompany, who is being tipped as the next manager. The Belgian coach is keen to sign young talent and this could be accelerated if he signs a deal with a Bundesliga club.
So what sort of career will the midfielder, who has the potential to play for England in the near future, have…?