For a variety of reasons, Leeds United supporters will be certain that Archie Gray will remain at the club this summer, despite what the German media would have you believe.
Many prominent English and European clubs are keeping an eye on the 18-year-old following his incredible 2023–24 season, during which he played more than 50 times across all competitions and helped Leeds advance to the play-offs.
However, Leeds and Gray will play in The Championship for another season after losing in the play-off final, and they will attempt to rejoin the Premier League under Daniel Farke for the second time.
Gray has repeatedly stated that all he wants is to play for Leeds, and he mostly conveyed the idea that he would stick around, be it in the second division of England or among the top teams in the nation.
However, a source from the “sensational” star’s camp reportedly informed German tabloid BILD that he is now “definitely considering” a move to a major Bundesliga team.
Archie Gray contemplating a transfer to the Champions League finals
The fact that Borussia Dortmund is reportedly interested in the England U21 star and that Leeds hasn’t performed well this season won’t come as a surprise to Leeds supporters.
Unusual reports surfaced over the weekend in The Sun, claiming Leeds was prepared to let Gray go for a whopping £20 million. Naturally, though, that is far less than the midfielder’s true value, which is perhaps twice or more.
According to BILD, Dortmund is still highly interested in the player, and a leak from Gray’s camp has indicated to the newspaper that he is also keen. The previous story claimed that Dortmund had been priced out of a trade.
If Leeds are to sell Gray, Dortmund is the best option
For a number of reasons, the first being Leeds do not want to get promoted and then find themselves coming up against a more-experienced Gray that might even have England caps by the time of a reunion.
Secondly, a move to Dortmund will allow Gray to prosper. It will not see him go to a Tottenham or a City and rot in the reserves and end up back in the Championship, just ask Jack Clarke after going to Spurs.
Whether Dortmund are willing to meet Leeds’ asking price remains to be seen but the lure of joining a Champions League finalist is huge. Dortmund have also shown interest in Leeds left-footer Ilia Gruev.
