"Everyone is heartbroken" - Leeds United stance on Archie Gray, Spurs deal revealed | OneFootball

The youngster's move to North London has been confirmed

Leeds United have confirmed the sale of their homegrown talent Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur.

Interest in the United academy graduate had been long-standing from a plethora of sides both in the Premier League and across the top divisions on the continent.

The youngster burst onto the first-team scene at Elland Road last season at just 17 years of age by the time the first game of the campaign against Cardiff City rolled around, before showing the quality and maturity of someone way beyond his years to solidify a starting berth under Daniel Farke.

However, a string of eye-catching performances weren't able to aid the Whites' return to the Premier League after losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton on May 26th.

The Wembley defeat meant there was a distinct possibility that Leeds would lose some star performers across the summer, and Gray is the first of those, as he moves to North London.

Leeds United react to Archie Gray departure

Just days after it seemed that Brentford would swoop under the noses of Tottenham, who have expressed an interest in Gray's services since early March, the collapse of a £35m move to the Gtech Community Stadium has seen Ange Postecoglou's men confirm the signing of the two-time England U21 international after triggering a release clause which activated following the defeat to the Saints a month ago.

Given the history Gray and his family have with his boyhood club, which includes his father Andy, grandfather Frank and great-uncle Eddie - one of Leeds' greatest-ever players - this exit will prove particularly difficult to stomach, and this mood has been reflected in an official statement by the West Yorkshire outfit.

It begins: "Leeds United can confirm Archie Gray has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, after the North London outfit met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to get promoted at the first attempt."

After reflecting on his breakthrough season, which included the accumulation of 52 appearances across all competitions, the statement finished by claiming that losing the sought-after talent in this fashion has strengthened the club's desire for promotion.

"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," the statement continued.

"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."

the club concluded.

Tottenham Hotspur are showing huge faith in Archie Gray's potential

Tottenham have also released a statement following the conclusion of the deal, which also confirms that the midfielder, who can also perform immensely at right-back, has signed a six-year contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Despite never playing a single minute in the Premier League prior to this move, it showcases the huge trust the Australian boss and Spurs hierarchy have when it comes to realising Gray's eventual potential, which many believe is an extremely high ceiling.

The London club have an infamous history when it comes to nurturing homegrown talents such as Gareth Bale, a career path which Gray no doubt has his sights set on emulating.

Joe Rodon arrival somewhat softens the blow for Leeds United

Whilst the departure of one of Leeds' own has also reportedly left Daniel Farke "seething" and made the German's future in LS11 uncertain as pre-season begins for a number of Championship clubs, the permanent acquisition of Joe Rodon will somewhat soften the blow for Whites supporters.

The Welshman enjoyed a hugely successful stint on loan from Spurs last season, and has now signed a fresh four-year deal with the club and becomes the first addition of the latest rebuild at Elland Road.

Leeds must now add further bodies to their squad in a summer that is already showing similar signs to this time 12 months ago, with the future of many big names left uncertain.