The summer transfer business is well underway for Leeds United, as in the same breath as saying goodbye to rising star Archie Gray, the club has also confirmed the return of Joe Rodon on a permanent deal.
As Leeds United bid to climb back into the Premier League next year after falling short at the final hurdle this past season, it’s no secret that the club needs investment.
That being said, bidding farewell to one of their breakout stars is not how most fans would have liked the new campaign to kick off but they have at least fully secured the services of last season’s popular loan player, Joe Rodon.
Announcing the de facto swap deal plus cash on Tuesday, 2 July, the 26-year-old Welshman has now signed a four-year deal to remain at the heart of Leeds’ defence.
✍️ Welcome Back, Joe! pic.twitter.com/3qFV0zuGQa
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 2, 2024
However, as one comes in another must go, as the Whites unfortunately had to let 18-year-old Archie Gray go, who had emerged as one of the club’s brightest youth prospects for a number of years last season.
Confessing that they greenlit the departure “with a heavy heart”, the club said that it was nigh on impossible to avoid interest from top-flight clubs and despite a bid from Brentford being rejected, an offer from Tottenham Hotspur “met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to get promoted at the first attempt”.
They went on to add: “Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a homegrown 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 deal for the promising youngster, who played over 50 games for the Yorkshire club in his debut season, is said to be valued between £25-£30m – a fee which will help them comply with FFP and PSR after remaining in the Championship.
🎙️ “I’m really excited, it’s a massive Club and it’s an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 2, 2024
Archie is ready to get started in Lilywhite 🤍 pic.twitter.com/OC0W7F1sZB
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The significance of the outgoing is not lost on them, reiterating that “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.”
Nevertheless, the fee is one which twinned with recent investment from Red Bull and multiple celebrities, could be massive for their overall title hopes as Daniel Farke looks to regenerate the side.
Gray, whose dad Andy and grandfather Frank, both played as Peacocks, joins Spurs on a statement six-year-deal. The England under-21 international will don the number 14.
What do you make of it then, Leeds fans? It was always going to be tough to hang on to such a great young player, but is keeping Rodon a good enough makeweight and who else should the club be going after?
Featured Images — Leeds United/Spurs
