EXCLUSIVE: Good news as Phil Hay confirms Leeds star is now set to sign new and improved contract in 2024 as Whites prepare to put off interested Premier League suitors
Leeds United are already planning to have Archie Gray tied down to a contract on “tastier terms” in March 2024 when he turns 18, in order to deter transfer interest.
The closer we get to the January window opening, the more intense the speculation becomes for certain players in Leeds’ squad under Daniel Farke.
Archie Gray was given a torrid time by fellow Thorp Arch graduate Jack Clarke on Tuesday night, but that performance won’t have deterred clubs from being keen on signing him.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds are already preempting the eventuality that they will have to tie Gray down to a long-term deal.
Leeds haven’t done so already because Gray cannot sign a contract longer than three years before his 18th birthday, meaning he will be waiting until March for that:
“Leeds have him on a professional contract after outmanoeuvring the clubs who tried to get their claws into him when he turned 17 (and still would, given the chance). They will preempt the fact that when Gray turns 18 this March, the rules governing contracts allow them to sign him to tastier terms again.”
Gray turns 18 on March 12th, 2024 – when he would be eligible for a long-term deal that the club seemingly have in mind.
Previously this season, the Daily Mail reported that Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and Everton are the sides in the Premier League monitoring the midfielder closely.
However, even though the Reds plan to submit an offer in the summer of 2024, they will be met with an asking price between £40-50million.
Such a price tag could be set to rise if the midfielder is tied down to a new contract, and Leeds are promoted.
Gray is not going anywhere
A new contract for a boyhood Leeds fan next year is virtually nailed on you would imagine, so there should be no worries about that.
Interest in the summer window is going to be hard to turn down if we’re not in the Premier League, but even then, Gray should know he’ll be better for another year with us.
This update is encouraging though that the club are already on their way to getting Gray to agree to a new deal.
