Leeds United: Archie Gray developments have saved potential 49ers backlash – View | OneFootball

Spurs bid for Archie Gray may have saved 49ers' blushes

Archie Gray has become Leeds United’s first profit and sustainability (PSR) casualty of the summer. In the fallout of their 1-0 play-off final defeat to Southampton, the Whites knew they had to make sales from the Elland Road squad but would have hoped to hold onto their prize asset.

An academy graduate with Leeds United lineage, Gray followed in the footsteps of his father Andy, grandfather Frank and great-uncle Eddie in appearing for the Yorkshire club last season. His homegrown status and family heritage fuelled the intense scrutiny surrounding his recent £40 million move to Tottenham Hotspur.

A product of the Leeds system, Gray was a prime candidate for a PSR-driven sale as his transfer generated ‘pure profit’ to balance the books. His North London move guaranteed the return of fan favourite Joe Rodon, who headed the other way for £10 million, and on paper, the deal looked to be mutually beneficial for both clubs.

But it’s impossible to place a value on the emotional worth Gray had to Leeds and Whites fans who saw one of their own star in the Championship last season. The 18-year-old had broken onto the scene, picked up the baton and quickly became the face of the club’s 2023-24 promotion ambition.

Many Leeds supporters are still grieving his Tuesday sale, but the club have landed on a more favourable deal for the youngster than originally anticipated. For last Saturday, Brentford had manoeuvred themselves into pole position for Gray’s purchase and looked set to make a bargain buy.

While the £35 million figure drawn up for the Bees was not far off the youngster’s eventual sale price, had Spurs not hijacked the deal, Leeds would have been forced to pay more to secure the return of Rodon.

The Whites’ American ownership group 49ers Enterprises had their hands tied throughout Gray’s selling, negotiating with buyers aware of their financial predicament. They have escaped with a decent deal and should live to avoid backlash from Leeds fans.

Timely Spurs swoop saved Leeds from a less desirable deal

On Saturday, much to the dismay of Leeds supporters, The Athletic reported that Gray had agreed to personal terms with Brentford and was edging closer to joining the West London club.

Since their play-off final defeat, the Yorkshire side had been resigned to losing one of their key players. But, while a lack of credible offers for winger Crysensio Summerville necessitated Gray’s sale, the 49ers put themselves in the firing line by sanctioning his move to Brentford.

Leeds fans had expected their teenage talent to be sold to a club competing in Europe and saw his potential move to Brentford as a sidestep. As a result, it was suggested that the 49ers were pushing the youngster out the door to force a rash deal over the line.

Spurs late swoop for the versatile midfielder spared the 49ers' blushes and glossed over Gray’s tricky transfer. Supporters could understand why he would want to feature at the highest level, playing in an exciting team with a chance of winning major honours under Ange Postecoglou.

By bringing Rodon back, Leeds’ owners softened the blow and appeased fans. The centre-back featured 50 times for the Whites in all competitions last season and will have a pivotal role to play as Daniel Farke’s side aim to achieve promotion at the second time of asking.

Leeds PSR run-in should motivate the Whites ahead of their 2024-25 campaign

Gray’s sale was a direct result of Leeds' failure to return to the top-flight last season. In the Premier League, profit and sustainability rules allow for £105 million in losses across three seasons; in the Championship this three-season figure is £41.5 million.

As the club cuts back to adhere to second-tier standards, they will suffer from reduced parachute payments and must find ways to dig themselves out of a financial hole.

At the moment, Farke has a wealth of high-quality players at his disposal and his side will begin next season in relatively good shape. But if he fails to mastermind promotion this time around, Leeds could face a fire sale to balance accounts next summer.

The 49ers are in an uncomfortable position as the clubs’ owners: they have no guarantee of success this season and could find themselves selling more key players in the near future. The hand Leeds have to play will only get weaker the longer the side stays in the second tier, and it is paramount that they challenge for promotion again this term.

Gray’s departure should be a warning to the club’s hierarchy, fans, players and management staff. It's not the time to panic yet; the owners have successfully protected many star performers from last season, but more trouble and tough decisions could be on the horizon if Leeds fall short again.