Liverpool eye £40m move for highly regarded Championship teenager
By Evan Curnew
After a disappointing Premier League campaign last season for Liverpool, it was inevitable that changes were to come in the 2023 summer transfer window. The Reds’ midfield was severely overhauled, with plenty of players leaving and plenty signing. After playing in the Champions League football became the norm again at Anfield, the club realized that it was time to look towards the future this campaign.
Europa League football has allowed for opportunities for younger players to shine, like centre-back Jarell Quansah. As they build for the future, the club may also begin to look externally for options to include in their long-term project. One of those players is reportedly Leeds United’s Archie Gray.
According to Matt Hughes of the Daily Mail, Liverpool are interested in signing the 17-year-old midfielder next summer, Championship side Leeds United. Gray has only made his professional debut this season for Leeds but is already being watched by plenty of Premier League sides. Hughes believes that Leeds values Archie Gray somewhere between £40m and £50m. With just two years left on his current contract, it will be important for Leeds to make a strong effort to re-sign the player.
Those familiar with Leeds United will know that Gray is a popular name around Elland Road. Archie Gray’s father, Andy, briefly played for the club, but his grandfather Frank and great-uncle Eddie were long-time Leeds United players. All three of his family members represented Scotland at the international level, making Archie eligible for the Tartan Army, but for now, he represents England at the youth level.
Gray can operate both as a full-back and midfielder, making him a versatile option. He has started 12 out of 15 possible Championship matches so far for Leeds United, giving someone like Liverpool ample time to do some scouting on him.
It is too early to say what sort of role he would play with Liverpool, but clearly, the Reds are trying to get ahead of the competition by signing such a highly talented player early on in his career.