David James Archives - Flashfootballnews

David James has welcomed the notion of Archie Gray leaving Leeds United and joining Liverpool. The 17-year-old is one of the top young players in the Championship, earning regular minutes for a club aiming for promotion back to the Premier League. Daniel Farke’s side now holds an automatic promotion spot, but Ipswich Town and Southampton are chasing them down, with only two points separating the three. Young Archie Gray, a midfielder by trade, has been employed as a right-back in recent months and is still performing admirably for Leeds United. That is why there is interest in his abilities, with insiders informing HITC Football that Liverpool and Newcastle United are not giving up on capturing the emerging Leeds star. When asked if Archie Gray should make the transfer to Merseyside, David James believes he should do so for the long term of his career and that it would be a’ smart signing’ for Liverpool, as reported by GGrecon. Of course, if the Whites can make an immediate return to England’s elite, it will be easier for the club to retain their top players. If they don’t, they’ll start sweating because many people want their Elland Road Academy goods to be at the top of the tree. Archie Gray’s future “I don’t know a massive amount about him, but the fact that he’s shown that he can play regularly in the Championship is very impressive,” he remarked. “For a young player to demonstrate the talent and consistency required to be a part of that team is astounding. Leeds are a huge team, to be fair, and the expectation in Leeds, particularly in the Championship, is that they should be in the Premier League instead. “So, in many respects, he’s learning what it’s like to play for Liverpool because the expectations are the same, albeit on a different level. Is it better for him in the long term to stay at Leeds United next season? I...

The former Liverpool goalkeeper argued that Gray’s frequent appearances for Leeds had prepared him for the transition to Anfield, where he would face the expectations and pressure of playing for a large club. James also stated that, despite his age, Liverpool’s track record of giving young talent opportunities implies the 17-year-old may make an immediate impact on the club. Speaking to GGRecon [22 February], James said: “For a young player to be able to demonstrate the ability and consistency required to remain in that team is impressive. “To be fair, Leeds are a large team, and the expectation in Leeds, particularly in the Championship, is that they should be in the Premier League instead. “So, in many respects, he’s learning what it’s like to play for Liverpool because the expectations are the same, albeit on a different level. “Would it be better for him in the long run to continue with Leeds United next season? I am not sure. Over the last few years, a lot of young Liverpool players have been given opportunities to play under Jürgen Klopp. “Archie is still so young, so it could be a smart signing for Liverpool in the long run and it could be a good opportunity for the player himself.” Will Archie Gray leave Leeds United for Liverpool? Gray, who is only 17 years old, has been practically ever-present in Daniel Farke’s side, appearing in 31 of Leeds’ 33 Championship games this season. Gray had previously been linked with both Liverpool and Crystal Palace, but he signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Leeds in January. Signing the new long-term contract demonstrated his dedication to the club where both his father and grandfather played, which will undoubtedly influence his decision-making. However, if the club fails to advance in the close race for automatic promotion this season, interest from clubs such as Liverpool may be tough to deny. Given the Reds’ current Premier League title challenge, James’ idea that he could instantly join the first-team squad...