Tottenham Hotspur have completed the £30M signing of Leeds United youngster Archie Gray.
The 18-year-old had been expected to join Brentford after the BBC reported on Saturday that the Premier League side had agreed a £40M fee, but the move collapsed over payment structures.
That deal had been so advanced that Gray even underwent a medical. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Tottenham, who had previously attempted to sign Gray as a schoolboy, then made their move.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United.” The club wrote on their website
“The versatile midfielder has signed a contract that will run until 2030 and will wear the number 14 shirt.”
Gray started 21 games in midfield and 30 at right-back for Leeds in all competitions last season, including the Championship Playoff Final defeat that saw Southampton promoted to the Premier League.
The versatile youngster has also collected 24 youth international caps after representing England at U15, U16, U17, U19, U20, and U21 levels.
Gray becomes the first signing of the summer for Tottenham, where he would be likely considered a rotation option at both right-back and central midfield. Notably, Spurs’ inverted full-back style would be suitable for a player with his skillset.
As a homegrown player, Gray would also help with Ange Postecoglou’s side’s concerns in that area. Spurs have been widely reported as in search of additional homegrown players this summer.
Gray is the son of former Scotland striker Andy Gray, who collected 530 appearances across the Football League, including top flight campaigns with Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Bradford City, and Sheffield United.
He is the third generation of his family to have played for Leeds, with grandfather Frank and great uncle Eddie Gray having been mainstays in Don Revie’s all-conquering team of the 1970s.