Keith Wyness, the former head of Everton, has encouraged Archie Gray to stay at Leeds United this summer, even if they don’t win promotion.
The 66-year-old, who ran a football consultancy advising elite clubs after serving as CEO of Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009, stated the 18-year-old will face “pressure” from his well-known relatives to remain at Elland Road in an interview with Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.
In March, Football Insider reported that Tottenham was in the running to sign Leeds sensation Gray, with teams like Liverpool.
Potential swoops for the adaptable teenager have also been linked to European powerhouses Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Gray, who inked a new four-year contract in January, has played in 49 games this season, starting 44 of them.
Gray tipped to reject Leeds exit this summer amid Liverpool and Real Madrid interest
The England Under-21 international is part of a Gray family dynasty at Leeds – with uncle Eddie playing 577 times for the club.
Wyness stated on Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast, “Archie Gray has heritage and family tradition which is totally steeped in Leeds,” a decision that will be positively received by the Whites supporters.
It transcends the typical partnership between a player and a team.
“If they don’t succeed, you would anticipate a great deal of familial pressure to stay at Leeds and assist them in getting promoted.
“I don’t think being in the Championship another season would hurt his value; he’s a great young talent.”
“In fact, I believe that his worth would rise if he spent another season in the storefront.
“His heart will be with Leeds, but it will depend on how he is instructed.
“Sometimes, agents don’t go with your heart but instead go with where they think the best value for your career is.
“I do think one more season at Leeds could be the right decision for him. It would help him be remembered well at Elland Road.”
