With Liverpool apparently interested in Leeds United’s latest breakout star, one knowledgeable source believes now is the moment to strike a deal.
Leeds United should reach an agreement with Liverpool for Archie Gray that allows the Yorkshire club to cash in while keeping the teenager’s services. According to ex-Scotland international turned pundit Frank McAvenie, a January deal can ensure a return on United’s investment while retaining the player at Elland Road in the short term.
This season, the 17-year-old has made an early impact on Daniel Farke‘s first team, appearing in 16 of 17 Championship games and playing the entire 90 minutes in the vast majority of them.
Gray‘s adaptability has undoubtedly aided his recent success. He began the season as a defensive midfielder and is now a right-back. However, it is his performance levels that have won him a regular starting spot and made other clubs sit up and take note.
Liverpool is one of those teams, and the Mail reports that the Reds are ‘preparing a summer bid’. According to the same report, United would seek to raise between £40 and £50 million from the sale of Gray.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been the Reds’ long-standing right-back, but he can also play in midfield, and Jurgen Klopp does not have much defensive cover for the England international.
Calvin Ramsay was loaned out to Preston North End this season, leaving Joe Gomez as the only senior cover.
Gray is being pursued by a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Newcastle, as well as Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.
With Gray’s contract expiring in 2025, Leeds may be inclined to part ways in one of the next two transfer windows in order to maximise the profit on Gray before he can depart for nothing in 18 months.
Former West Ham United striker McAvennie, on the other hand, believes that a January transfer with Liverpool for huge money makes sense, as long as United can take Gray back on loan until the end of the season.
McAvennie told Football Insider: “I think what they’ve got to do (Leeds) is sell him (Gray).” Accept the funds, but keep him on loan. He’s not going to make the Liverpool team, and he’s not going to make the Everton team right now.It’s in everyone’s best interests. It’s still early in the season, so his worth could rise. Nobody is going to buy him in January, in my opinion. I doubt he’s doing that well until you spend a lot of money on him.
“Whoever wants him, come and get him now and loan him back if he’s not ready for the Premier League.” That’s what I’d try to accomplish because it gives you some money for January. It’s a win-win situation for them. Farke will know exactly what he requires.”
Leeds are now third in the Championship, eight points behind the automatic promotion slots, as they aim to return to the Premier League as soon as possible.
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