Gordon Strachan, the former Scotland manager, has stated that he is not shocked by the amount of premier league interest shown in Archie Gray, a gifted young player for Leeds United. Leeds is well known for needing to raise money through sales, and Gray is one of the top players that teams may try to acquire. When the 18-year-old entered Daniel Farke’s starting lineup for their season-opening match against Cardiff City, he immediately made an impression. Leeds lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final, so the young player was unable to have a significant enough impact to return to the Premier League. Nevertheless, given his age, he is deserving of that caliber of play, even if his team isn’t quite there.

It was assumed, before the crucial match at Wembley, that Gray would remain at Elland Road, come rain or shine. According to more recent reports, there is a possibility of movement, as some of the best clubs in Germany and England seem to like his appearance. These reports come from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. According to Romano, teams interested in the midfield player include Arsenal. Not to be outdone, former Burnley coach Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, the other runners-up in the league, are also keen. Strachan isn’t shocked by this news.

Gordon Strachan’s verdict on Archie Gray

The 18-year-old, in the opinion of the former Manchester United and Coventry City player, has all the qualities that elite teams would look for in a player with his caliber. “I have known about Archie and his brother for a very long time,” he remarked. He intends for his brother to be just as good as he is. I am extremely familiar with the Gray family. I’ve been aware of the Gray brothers since I’ve heard so much positive feedback about them from people I respect.

It occurs to me that since Archie was twelve years old, people have been talking about how intelligent he could be. Since everyone is telling you stories about this thirteen- or fourteen-year-old kid—all of my school friends were going to be professionals too, haha—your natural reaction is to doubt what you’ve been told. However, I witnessed the boy play with my own eyes.

“Amazing. He can play anywhere, so it makes no difference where you put him. Although you would anticipate an eighteen-year-old to not be flawless in every game, he hasn’t been in every one. He is an amazing prospect. His intelligence appeals to me. His versatility allows him to play a variety of positions. “This prospect has everything you could possibly want. I understand why so many Premier League teams want to sign him.” This summer, Fulham and Leeds United are both interested in VfB Stuttgart forward Silas.

Leeds’ financial state may force them to bit the Archie Gray bullet

Football teams are now judged on their profits due to financial regulations, so selling academy players is the best way to balance the books. Unlike players who have been brought in for a fee, they are recorded on your balance sheet as pure profit. Selling Gray would be the most prudent course of action for Leeds as a business, as it will likely bring them closer to financial stability than any other asset.

Leeds United’s financial state
Total owed to other clubs from previous transfers £190 million*
Money owed to other clubs before June 30th £73 million*
Data taken from Kieran Maguire – *money to be paid before they can start spending this summer

Of course, that ignores the emotional component as well. He is a true Lambent, and it is difficult to let go of players with his caliber of skill. Too much emotion is something United cannot afford because it frequently leads to poor decisions. If that does happen, it will hurt, but there may be nothing else they can do.