Significant update revealed on Archie Gray’s Leeds United future | OneFootball

The 18-year-old has been one of the first names on the teamsheet under Daniel Farke, initially starting the season as a central midfielder before being converted into a right-back.

His presence has meant the Whites have had less work to do in the transfer market, with the club potentially needing to bring in another right-back along with Connor Roberts during the January window if it wasn't for Gray.

And he could be a key part of Leeds' long-term plans, with Luke Ayling looking set to leave Elland Road this summer following the expiration of his contract and Cody Drameh potentially set to depart as well, having failed to make himself a key part of the club's plans in recent years.

However, because Gray has done so well during the 2023/24 campaign at such a young age, he has attracted interest from elsewhere.

His contract doesn't expire until the summer of 2028, and the possibility of the youngster signing a contract extension at some point can't be ruled out either, but the volume of interest that he could attract this summer may make it difficult for Farke's side to keep hold of him beyond the end of the upcoming window.

Plenty of clubs in the UK and across Europe have reportedly taken an interest in him in recent months, with Liverpool thought to have been keen and Borussia Dortmund also being linked.

Archie Gray set to stay at Leeds United

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds may have to make up to £100m in sales if they fail to win the play-off final against Southampton on Sunday.

This could mean that some key players are sold, including Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto.

Gray is another player who could attract a huge bid considering his age, potential, senior experience and contract situation, so it wouldn't have been a surprise if the 18-year-old was sold if the Whites stayed in the Championship.

Daniel Farke will benefit from keeping Archie Gray at Leeds United

Farke isn't guaranteed to remain at Elland Road beyond the end of this term, but he deserves to stay considering he guided the Whites to a 90-point total this term and also secured a convincing play-off semi-final win.

And it wouldn't be a surprise to see him stay at the club regardless of whether Leeds are promoted or not.

If he does stay, he will be keen to have Gray at his disposal, knowing that the England youth international will only get better and better as he gets more senior experience under his belt.

Losing Summerville seems inevitable if they aren't promoted, so keeping some other key players including Gray will be important.

With the latter's contract not expiring for another four years, they can afford to keep him unless they desperately need to cash in on him for financial fair play purposes.