Leeds United issue revealing statement on Archie Gray's £35m transfer to Tottenham

Leeds United have sold Archie Gray to Tottenham

'Heartbroken' Leeds United have acknowledged the 'huge disappointment' they've given their supporters by selling wonderkid Archie Gray to Tottenham in a £35million transfer deal.

Gray, 18, has ended his decade-long association with the Yorkshire club for the allure of European football, with Spurs capitalising on Brentford's failed move to sign him over the weekend. Durham-born Gray, whose dad, uncle and grandad all played for Leeds, was a mainstay last season as they narrowly missed out on an immediate return to the Premier League by losing the Championship play-off final 1-0 to Southampton.

The talented midfielder, who can also play at right-back, has now put pen to paper on a six-year deal at Tottenham and will wear the No.14 shirt. Announcing his sale with an emotional statement, Leeds expressed their sadness at Gray's departure but argue that the deal boosts their chances of returning to the top flight after going agonisingly close last season.

"Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board's resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars," Leeds said.

"Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club's chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league's financial control regulations.

"Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism. He leaves with the very best wishes for his future career and in the knowledge that Leeds will always be his home."

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An England international from under-15 to under-21 level, Gray made his debut for Leeds on the opening day of last season and went on to make 51 further appearances under manager Daniel Farke. The midfielder's move has also seen Tottenham defender Joe Rodon join Leeds permanently following a successful loan spell.

Brentford were the favourites to sign Gray as recently as Sunday until their deal with Leeds collapsed at the 11th hour. The two clubs were unable to agree a payment structure, allowing Spurs to swoop in and make the 18-year-old their third signing of the summer transfer window, having turned Timo Werner's loan move permanent and paid £8.5million for Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

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