"Everybody wins" - Lee Sharpe backs Leeds United over £40m Archie Gray decision | OneFootball

Lee Sharpe has reacted to Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray's Leeds United exits.

Teen sensation Archie Gray surprisingly departed Leeds United earlier this summer for Tottenham Hotspur, and ex-Whites winger Lee Sharpe believes the deal is good for all parties.

Leeds' crown jewel has 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 the age of just 18, 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.

Lee Sharpe reacts to Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville exits

Former Leeds man Sharpe believes that Gray may have picked the right club in Spurs to continue his development, with Ange Postecoglou being backed to get even more out of the starlet.

Speaking to Football League World (via Highest Payout Online Casino), Sharpe said: "I’ve only seen him play a few times but he looks very comfortable on the ball and a very astute footballer.

"A clever footballing brain, and I think it’s probably a good time for him. He’ll get to play Premier League football with what I think is a top class manager, who will help him.

"I’m not sure he will be a regular, I think he’ll be in and out of the team a little bit, but when you’re playing with internationals and top Premier League players, it can only improve you as a player.

"I think it’s a great move for him, for Tottenham and a good fee that Leeds picked up as well, so everybody wins."

Gray is not the only big-money exit from the club, with Crysencio Summerville also joining West Ham. The Dutchman was their talisman last season, directly contributing to many of the team's goals as they fought for promotion.

However, Sharpe thinks that the West Yorkshire outfit perhaps undervalued the wing wizard, with his initial exit clause only being around the £25 million mark.

"I think Leeds could have possibly held out for a little bit more," Sharpe added on Summerville.

"I’m not sure how the negotiations went, but he’s been a top, top player in the Championship.

"I suppose, when he’s not played much Premier League football it could be a bit of a gamble to move, but his ability and quality are there for everyone to see.

"I think West Ham have probably got a decent deal, Leeds might have expected a little bit more, but it’s still a lot of money for Leeds to go and spend in the transfer window."

Archie Gray exit makes sense but Leeds United must spend money ASAP

Crucially, Gray is a player who is only going to improve from here, but his priority should be with a club that will offer him regular game time and a clear pathway into the first-team, albeit Spurs could be the best of the Premier League's elite in that sense under Postecoglou. Regular enough first-team football is paramount for him to realise his enormous potential.

If they can offer Gray the footballing opportunities he requires to continue his development and to continue improving, then this could be a perfect fit for the youngster, who was almost ever-present with Leeds during their promotion push last season.

Losing both Gray and Summerville in the same window is difficult to stomach, but their financial situation dictates the need for sales this summer.

And it's fair to suggest that some of the funds raised will need to be put towards an aggressive approach to the transfer market, with Rodon and Jayden Bogle the first signs of that in that sense - there isn't an awful lot of time left to get deals done though, so the 49ers will need to move sharply.