Soccer clubs have to continuously buy new players to strengthen the team, both for the present and the future. Young talents are often being scouted, and nowadays, big sums for relatively unknown young players are not uncommon.
Archie Gray seems to be the next player in line to get such a move, with some of the biggest clubs in England interested in him. Though he has never played in top-flight football and is very young, clubs are still desperate to get him.
Archie Gray player profile
Archie Gray is a 17-year-old English teenager who currently plays for Championship club Leeds United. He mainly plays as a midfielder in the central role, though he is also adept at the right back position. He has been the team’s breakout star this season, starting all of their games except one. Archie has also appeared for the U19 English team on one occasion.
When he was just 16, he was named as a bench player during a game against Arsenal in the Premier League. Legendary manager Marcelo Bielsa was the one to do so, recognizing his immense talent. Both Bielsa and Javi Gracia kept him in their teams, though he never made his debut. Only until this season, under new manager Daniel Farke, did he make his debut in the Championship, the second tier of English soccer.
Archie has soccer genes in his family, with his father a veteran of the club. His father Andy Gray played for Leeds United and Nottingham Forest and had a good long spell in the EFL. Archie’s younger brother Harry Gray is also a player for the club on their U-18 team and is considered a top prospect.
His fame is mainly due to his versatile playstyle on the field and his athletic prowess. He is often compared to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold due to their similar positions and playing style.
Archie Gray linked with big-money Liverpool move
Archie Gray is one of the main reasons the team is currently third in the second tier league, fighting hard for promotion. At just 17, with his abilities and versatility, there is no doubt many clubs would love to have him.
And now, according to the Daily Mail, the young midfielder has been linked to Liverpool, who want him this summer. Clubs like Crystal Palace and Everton, who might face 12-point deduction, are also interested, but the player may want to prioritize a move to Anfield.
Liverpool are ready to spend up to £40 million for the player, a huge fee for a player that made his debut three months ago. While he is valued at £6 million by Transfermarkt, Leeds don’t want to let such a crucial player go easily and could demand between £40 million to £50 million. He also has a contract until 2025, which means a sale is very possible.
Liverpool are certainly preparing for the future, as the team continues to build their team full of youngsters. A player like Gray could provide good backup to Trent Alexander Arnold, and would be a good addition to Jurgen Klopp’s team.
