Tottenham have completed the signing of Leeds midfielder Archie Gray in a player-plus-cash deal which sees Joe Rodon return to Elland Road.
The 18-year-old Gray won plaudits in an impressive breakout season at Leeds and Brentford had a reported £35 million ($AUD66 million) bid rejected last weekend.
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That allowed Spurs to come in for the England Under-21 international, who has signed a six-year deal.
No fee has been disclosed, but British media reported Gray had signed in a deal worth up to $AUD57 million, with the added inducement of former loanee Rodon returning to Leeds on a permanent basis.
Leeds’ failure to gain promotion to the lucrative Premier League from the second-tier Championship in May put pressure on the Yorkshire club to make big-money sales to comply with financial fair play rules.
In Gray’s first in-house interview with the club, he spoke about how Postecoglou was a “massive factor” in wanting to join Tottenham.
“I’m not going to lie to you,” Gray said.
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“I’m a massive Celtic fan, so I love him, my whole family love him.
“I haven’t really said this to be fair, but he’s a massive factor because playing under a really good manager is really important for me as well. I’ve still got loads to learn because I’m only 18 so that’s really important.
“It still hasn’t sunk in to be honest and I don’t think it will for the next few days and until we’ve played a few games and I’ve got to meet everyone.
“I’m just really excited and looking forward to it. It’s massive opportunity for me and I’m really excited.
“When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually and the Europa League this year, you know I couldn’t really say no.”
Gray, who can play at both right-back and in central midfield, became a regular under Leeds boss Daniel Farke last season. The teenager made 52 appearances in all competitions following his league debut against Cardiff in August.
Gray’s great-uncle Eddie was a star of the successful Leeds teams of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Grandfather Frank also played more than 300 games for the club. Father Andy also played for the Elland Road side. All three were Scotland internationals.
Archie won the Championship Young Player of the Year award last season. Wales international Rodon has now headed in the other direction, bringing to an end his four-year stay at Spurs.
Rodon signed from Swansea in 2020 but only played 24 times for Tottenham with his last appearance as a late substitute against Burnley towards the end of the 2021/22 season.
After spending the last two seasons on loan at French club Rennes and then Leeds, the 26-year-old has returned to Elland Road after signing a four-year deal.
