Tottenham Hotspur have signed midfielder Archie Gray from Leeds United for approximately £30 million, with defender Joe Rodon moving to Leeds in a deal worth around £10 million.
Gray has signed a contract with Spurs until 2030, with Leeds stating that the transfer was triggered by a release clause activated due to the club’s failure to secure promotion on their first attempt.
The sale is expected to help Leeds comply with profit and sustainability rules, following their defeat in the Championship play-off final by Southampton, which cost them promotion and necessitated player sales.
Tottenham outbid Brentford for the 18-year-old Gray, who made 52 appearances for Leeds last season, playing both in midfield and at right-back.
Gray had started a medical at Brentford’s training ground, but Leeds rejected the Bees’ similarly valued bid due to issues with the payment structure and add-ons on Sunday.
England Under-21 international Gray, who is also eligible to play for Scotland, is the great-nephew of Leeds legend Eddie Gray. Leeds agreed to the teenager’s transfer “with a heavy heart.”
They added: “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.
“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.”
Wales international Rodon, who was on loan at Leeds last season, has signed a four-year deal with the club.