49ers make Leeds United transfer promise after selling Archie Gray to Tottenham

Leeds United have been left "heartbroken" by Archie Gray's move to Tottenham - but the club are adamant the transfer "improves" their chances of competing for automatic promotion next season. The midfielder has joined the Premier League club for an undisclosed fee, thought to be between £30m and £40m, with defender Joe Rodon moving the other way.

Many United fans are devastated to see Gray go following his superb breakthrough campaign. Gray, the great nephew of the former Leeds player and manager Eddie Gray, made 52 appearances across all competitions last season as the Whites narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final.

Gray, who joined the Whites' academy at the age of eight, has represented England junior teams at every age group level up to and including Under-21s. The 18-year-old also won the 2023/24 Championship young player of the season award.

Read more: Darren Bent shares Archie Gray transfer fear as Leeds United starlet heads to Tottenham

A United statement read: "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.

"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."