Football League World
·19. September 2024
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·19. September 2024
FLW take a look at Capology's estimated wage for Archie Gray following his switch from Leeds United to Spurs.
Teen sensation Archie Gray surprisingly departed Leeds United earlier this summer for Tottenham Hotspur and the Premier League, with many expecting him to continue playing regularly with the West Yorkshire outfit.
Gray caught the eye last season in the Championship, in what was the 18-year-old's breakout campaign for his boyhood club, with whom he had come through the academy of.
Leeds' crown jewel then penned a six-year deal with Spurs, after they agreed a fee of around £40 million with the Whites for the 18-year-old, with Joe Rodon returning to Leeds in the other direction for around £10 million on a permanent basis, having been a hugely successful loan signing last year.
At such a tender age, Gray is already a well-rounded player. His ability to carry the ball and his first touch is already top drawer, and he is a player that is mature beyond his years and capable of imposing himself on a game at either right-back or in his preferred central midfield role.
He may have occasionally struggled against some of the second tier's best wingers, but was largely a diligent defensive player for most of the campaign with Leeds. His versatility should be a huge plus point for Tottenham, as should his potential over the coming seasons in North London.
The family name speaks to the talents of the youngster. He is in good company as the grandnephew of Leeds legend Eddie Gray, with another favourite with the Whites faithful in Frank Gray as his grandfather, and he is also Andy Gray's son; all of whom played for Leeds at one stage or another.
Leeds' teenage sensation took home the division’s Apprentice of the Season award after a stunning first campaign at Elland Road, whilst also winning the prestigious Championship Young Player of the Season award ahead of Jon Rowe and Jordan James.
The Leeds starlet ended up being one of the stories of the 2023/24 Championship campaign, making 52 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, meaning he missed just three of their games all season.
Gray took the chance to make inroads into the first-team under Daniel Farke with both hands and had a highly successful first season as a professional player despite a disappointing end with the play-off final.
Of course, Leeds were able to fend off any January interest and tie the central midfielder turned right-back to a long-term contract, with the teenager’s deal then set to keep him with the club until the summer of 2028, whilst also granting him a significant pay rise thanks to his quality performances as a then 17-year-old.
His versatility and maturity were crucial and Leeds would have been hoping that he might remain with them to continue his progress this term, as he continues to rapidly develop. Naturally, for such a talented youngster, the pace at which Gray is improving has caught the eye of many of Europe's elite, as well as the England setup as well with the U-21 side.
He became a key player at such a young age but has taken so much responsibility in his stride, across two positions no less, already. Leeds could have built their short and long-term future around him, but Spurs and Brentford were both keen to activate the release clause in his deal, which the former eventually did.
His family's legacy at Elland Road is also something he will be acutely aware of and the fact that he is one of the most exciting talents to have emerged through the club's academy in a generation, but does his wage since joining Spurs reflect that and his talents? We take a look, here.
Per Capology's estimates, Archie Gray earns a staggering £75,000 per week, which is the same as Destiny Udogie and more than the likes of Brennan Johnson, Yves Bissouma, Djed Spence, and Micky van de Ven.
Of course, only time will tell if that sort of figure is justified on a six-year deal, but it is a figure which Leeds would struggle to compete with without Premier League football. Leeds' top earners earn around £60,000 - £70,000, which includes Manor Solomon, Junior Firpo, and Patrick Bamford, per their estimates.
It highlights the significant gap between the Premier League's elite and the Championship. Leeds have one of the highest wage bills in the division but it does not compete with the mammoth figures that Spurs can offer to their fringe and squad players.
Crucially, Gray is a player who is only going to improve from here, which should mean that sort of pay packet will look like a worthwhile investment in time. Gray's priority for now is to break into their plans meaningfully to ensure regular game time with a clear pathway into the first-team.
First-team football is paramount for him to realise his enormous potential, especially as he was a player who was almost ever-present with Leeds during their promotion push last season. Two substitute appearances totalling just 29 minutes in the league are not nearly enough for Gray to become the player most expect him to be one day.