The last few transfer windows have been painful Leeds Unitedbut not from an upcoming perspective, because the club is doing phenomenally with its new reinforcements.
Daniel Farke relied on 49ers‘ recruitment, particularly over the summer, as his side were pilloried after failing to secure promotion from Priority in the first attempt after relegation.
The Whites lost in the play-off final to Southampton at Wembley, resulting in the departure of a number of key players in favor of transfers to the Premier League.
Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville left to join Brighton and West Ham respectively. bringing in a staggering £65 million – crazy figure for a second-rate side.
The aforementioned pair weren’t the only two big names to leave Elland Road in that period, with another young prospect heading to England’s top flight.
Archie Gray’s time at Leeds United
Boy Archie Gray came through the Leeds academy last season, becoming an influential member of Farke’s squad despite his tender age of just 18 – appearing in a variety of roles.
The midfielder operated in his usual role after his breakthrough, but injuries saw him shift to a right-back role, but that did nothing to detract from his performance levels – often producing impressive displays inside the back line.
Gray he would make 52 appearances in all competitions during 2023/24, featuring in all but two league games – showing his importance under the German despite his teenage years.
As a result, he received an award Championship Young Player of the Year Award during his debut season, after which he attracted a lot of interest from various quarters.
After failing to secure promotion, it looked like he would be heading to Brentford, but Tottenham came in 11th. securing a £40m deal for the talent – an excellent deal for all parties involved.
Six months after his departure, the Whites could be given the chance to sign another version of the youngster in this window, further bolstering their forward capabilities.
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The player who could be Leeds’ next Gray
Over the past few years, it seems as though Leeds United have been linked with signing the midfielder Lewis O’Brien – with January 2025 nothing different even though only a week has passed.
The former Huddersfield man joined Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2022 following their promotion to the Premier League, but his move was a disaster, as he failed to make the impact he envisioned following his move.
O’Brien is limited to only 17 appearances for the Redsspending various spells on loan at Middlesbrough, DC United and LAFC, with his temporary tenure set to expire at the start of the month.
As a result, Leeds have a potential move was mentioned earlier for the 26-year-old over the past few months, but could face stiff competition if they were to seek his signature.
If a move is explored, he would be an excellent addition, potentially the club’s new version of the outgoing Gray, with FBref ranking the Forest ace as a similar player to a player who graduated from the academy based on their statistics in the championship during 2023/24.
O’Brien, who has been on loan at Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough, has matched or bettered the youngster in various key areas, showing how he would be an excellent addition to their title ambitions.
The former Huddersfield player, dubbed “one of the best midfielders” analyst Charlie Zazzera, recorded more progressive passes and carries per 90 – highlighting his ability to get the ball into attacking areas and allow forwards to create carnage.
|
O’Brien v Gray in Championship (2023/24) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (at 90) |
O’Brien |
Gray |
|
Games played |
23 |
44 |
|
Goals and assists |
1 |
2 |
|
Progressive mounts |
2.2 |
1.8 |
|
Progressive additions |
4.9 |
4.2 |
|
Adding accuracy |
85% |
83% |
|
Procedures done |
2.3 |
2.3 |
|
Blocks made |
1.6 |
0.9 |
|
Cuts have been made |
1 |
0.8 |
|
Actions to create a shot |
2.3 |
1.6 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
||
The Boro loanee was also out of the left-back position when needed, but still managed to come on more blocks and interceptions at 90 – showing his excellent box-to-box skills, which could be vital for Farke between now and the end of the campaign.
Even if he were to return to Yorkshire on a temporary basis, he would be an excellent addition who could provide extra quality to end their two-year exile in the Premier League.
The loss of Gray was understandably disappointing for fans, as O’Brien provided a similar skill set to the youngster and filled the void left when he left Elland Road.
