Leeds United officially reject Brentford bid for Archie Gray

LEEDS, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Archie Gray of Leeds United applauds the fans at full time during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd Leg match between Leeds United and Norwich City at Elland Road on May 16, 2024 in Leeds, England.(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
By Nancy Froston
Jun 30, 2024

Leeds United say they have officially rejected a bid from Brentford for midfielder Archie Gray.

Gray, 18, underwent a medical at Brentford on Saturday after agreeing personal terms but the west London club have now had a bid — worth in the region of £35million — knocked back by Leeds.

The England Under-21 international enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Leeds last term, making 52 appearances in all competitions.

Anzeige

His previous deal with the club was due to expire in 2025 but he signed a three-year extension in January to keep him at Elland Road through to 2028.

Gray, the great nephew of former Leeds manager and player, Edie, joined the club’s academy at eight and has represented England junior teams at every age group.

He received the young Championship player of the season award for 2023-24 as Daniel Farke’s side narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Premier League, losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton.

He came through the club’s academy system and was selected in a first-team Premier League squad at the age of 15 by former manager Marcelo Bielsa.

He was named on the bench a further five times in 2021-22 without featuring before his performances for Leeds in the Championship helped earn him a number of admirers.

More to follow

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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Nancy Froston

Nancy Froston is The Athletic's Leeds United writer. She previously reported on the EFL covering the Championship, League One and League Two as well as a three year spell writing about Sheffield Wednesday. Follow Nancy on Twitter @nancyfroston