Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of tying up the signing of Archie Gray (18, Leeds).

European soccer transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Monday (January 1), “Gray is heading to Tottenham. There is an agreement in principle between all parties involved. We’re just waiting for the documents to be signed,” followed by his signature “Here we go!”

“Tottenham will pay a fee of approximately £40 million for the transfer. Gray, who has accepted the move to Tottenham, will sign a long-term contract.” “Tottenham defender Joe Roden will join Leeds in a separate deal worth around £10 million,” he added.

The BBC also reported that “Tottenham are closing in on a move for midfielder Gray in a deal worth between £30m and £40m. “Gray is expected to undergo a medical at Tottenham’s training ground after agreeing a long-term deal with the club.” Defender Roden is moving in the opposite direction.

It’s a move that’s happened very quickly. The news of Tottenham’s pursuit of Gray came just a day earlier, with The Athletic and the BBC reporting that Tottenham and Leeds were in talks about a deal for Gray and that the mood was positive.

Gray was initially linked with a move to Brentford and was even reported to have finalized a personal agreement with the Bees just days ago. Barring a last-minute hijack, it looked like Gray would be wearing a Brentford shirt, but Brentford changed their minds about paying the transfer fee in installments instead of a lump sum, and an angry Leeds canceled the deal.

Tottenham then swooped in and snatched Gray. Spurs had already been eyeing Gray as Emerson Royale was set to leave the club. Leeds, who were desperate to sell Gray due to Profitability and Sustainability Rules, had no reason to turn down Tottenham’s offer. Chelsea were also interested in him, but Spurs moved quickly.

With everyone’s interests aligned, there were no obstacles to the deal. The deal was finalized overnight, with only the final signature needed. Now it’s 야설 just a matter of time before the Spurs announce Gray as their first signing of the summer. The contract is expected to be for six years.

Gray is a 2006-born prospect whose main positions are central midfield and right back. He is a versatile player who can also play on the flanks, as an attacking midfielder and defensive midfielder. His versatility is evident in his 6-foot-4 frame, excellent situational awareness, and his ability to break up play and pass well.

In fact, Gray made 52 official appearances for Leeds in the 2023-2024 season. He played 30 games as a right fullback, 10 games as a central midfielder, six games as a defensive midfielder, and three games as an attacking midfielder. He is a rising talent in England, having been consistently called up to age-group squads.

Leeds fans are furious at the news that Gray is leaving the club. That’s because Gray is a third-generation Whites player. His grandfather Frank Gray and father Andy Gray both played for Leeds, and his younger brother Harry Gray is a member of the Leeds youth team. His great-grandfather, Eddie Gray, is considered to be the greatest player in Leeds’ history.

For Leeds fans, Gray”s move isn”t just about prospects. According to the Daily Mail, Gray has a lot of love for the club he grew up with. However, the team’s circumstances forced him to leave. “Gray has Leeds DNA in his blood,” said one Leeds fan. He’s already a fan favorite. I have nothing to say. I want to tell the club and the owner to go fuck themselves.”

Roden’s presence was a big part of the reason Spurs were able to negotiate so quickly. He hasn’t featured for Spurs since joining the club in 2020, but had a successful loan spell at Leeds last season.

Leeds were also keen to sign him outright, so talks with Spurs went well. Roden was also interested in Ipswich Town and Leicester City, but he preferred to join Leeds. However, financial issues made it difficult to negotiate a transfer fee.

Tottenham had previously rejected Ipswich’s £10 million bid for Roden. However, they were willing to accept the same offer from Leeds for Gray. In effect, they spent £30 million to get Gray.