Leeds United have released a remarkable statement after selling Archie Gray to Tottenham for £30m, blaming the teenager’s release clause for his departure.
Gray’s move to Spurs was confirmed on Tuesday morning, with the 18-year-old leaving his boyhood club after making 52 appearances and starring in their run to the Championship play-off final last season.
However, Leeds suffered heartbreak at Wembley as they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton. Following their failure to secure promotion back to the Premier League, Leeds were left in the position of having to raise funds this summer, and have revealed they reluctantly allowed Gray to leave after Spurs triggered a release clause in his contract.
A club statement on Tuesday morning read: ‘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.
‘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.
Archie Gray has completed his £30m move from Leeds to Tottenham
He put pen to paper on the deal on Tuesday morning, as Spurs beat off competition for his signature
Leeds released a stunning club statement on Tuesday, claiming Gray’s release clause was to blame for his departure
‘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.
‘Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism. He leaves with the very best wishes for his…