Leeds United believe the sale of Archie Gray to Tottenham "improves" the club's chances of winning promotion this season.
Gray joined in a deal worth between £30m and £40m - with defender Joe Rodon moving the other way - after the north London side triggered a release clause in his contract following the club's failure to get promoted at the first attempt.
The Whites have signed Rodon from Spurs in a separate deal believed to be worth about £10m.
In a statement, Leeds said: "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.
"While we understand supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a homegrown 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."
Gray, 18, came through the academy ranks before being involved with the first team at the age of 15.
He went on to make his senior debut in last season's Championship opener against Cardiff City at Elland Road, aged 17, and leaves having made 52 appearances.
"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," the club added.
Club statement. YEP
posted on 2/7/24
Played not aged*
posted on 2/7/24
Weren't Fulham supposedly interested in Bamford?
I think we've also been linked with Fulham's Slovakian reserve keeper so maybe a swap deal involving PB will suit all parties and regarding Piroe I'm slightly surprised to hear he may be offloaded so soon after signing him last season but then again he seemed to lose confidence and form crucially in the last dozen games or so and fell out with Summerville which again may indicate if Piroe leaves that's another possible reason why Summerville stays or because Summerville is staying Piroe wants out... who knows?
posted on 2/7/24
Agree with Matty
posted on 2/7/24
My head says that, financially this is the right thing for Archie and Leeds. Still gutted that he has gone though.
posted on 2/7/24
Fact is there are only a handful of clubs in any of the top leagues that can afford not to be selling clubs. My own club Celtic make a play on the fact that they will facilitate moves if it goes well and it suits everyone. Rinse and repeat and prospective recruits can be shown evidence that this is the case which can only be good for Leeds if it persuades players to join them versus their competitors.
posted on 2/7/24
Are club looking to sell Firpo?
In addition to several others.
posted on 2/7/24
Last thing I will say on the matter is on Saturday morning Leeds were asked do you want him to go if not he stays, the reply was we dont want him to go but he has to otherwise it's an embargo and points deduction,
posted on 2/7/24
comment by AndDonRevieistheKing (U7852)
posted 1 hour, 34 minutes ago
Last thing I will say on the matter is on Saturday morning Leeds were asked do you want him to go if not he stays, the reply was we dont want him to go but he has to otherwise it's an embargo and points deduction,
^^^
This makes sense. And matches what I've read/heard.
As always, I trust Don's info on this.
posted on 3/7/24
comment by AndDonRevieistheKing (U7852)
posted 13 hours, 40 minutes ago
Last thing I will say on the matter is on Saturday morning Leeds were asked do you want him to go if not he stays, the reply was we dont want him to go but he has to otherwise it's an embargo and points deduction,
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Heartbreaking to hear.
Especially the way so many other clubs just ignore the rules and get away with it. I would have preferred us to just take the points deduction I think. Get 100 points and it won’t matter.
posted on 3/7/24
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 4 hours, 46 minutes ago
comment by AndDonRevieistheKing (U7852)
posted 13 hours, 40 minutes ago
Last thing I will say on the matter is on Saturday morning Leeds were asked do you want him to go if not he stays, the reply was we dont want him to go but he has to otherwise it's an embargo and points deduction,
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Heartbreaking to hear.
Especially the way so many other clubs just ignore the rules and get away with it. I would have preferred us to just take the points deduction I think. Get 100 points and it won’t matter.
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Maybe - but a transfer embargo could have killed us at a time where we need to build better for next season.