Archie Gray: Position, transfer fee, style of play, stats & more

With a lineage of Leeds United footballers in his family before him, it seemed as though Archie Gray was born to play at Elland Road.

Playing above his age level in the Whites' youth ranks before being fast-tracked to the first team by Marcelo Bielsa, Gray was recognised as a star of the future at Leeds from a young age.

Earning his chance to become a first team regular following Leeds' relegation from the Premier League in 2023, Gray made 44 Championship appearances in 2023/24 as Daniel Farke's side narrowly missed out on promotion straight back to the top flight after losing the play-off final to Southampton.

Cementing his reputation as one of the most talented young players in the country, Tottenham swooped in to prise Gray away from Leeds in a deal worth around £40m this summer.

We examine Gray's profile and potential in the latest instalment of In Focus.

Archie Gray nationality & background

Born in Durham, Gray joined Leeds United's academy at a young age.

Part of a family of former Scotland internationals, with his father, grandfather and great uncle all representing the Scotland national team, Gray is eligible to play for Steve Clarke's side.

The midfielder has represented England at various youth levels, however, and it is widely expected Gray will opt to turn out for England at senior international level.

Archie Gray transfer fee and contract

Tottenham agreed a transfer fee in the region of £30m with Leeds United to acquire Gray, with Wales international defender Joe Rodon moving in the opposite direction in a move worth around £10m.

Gray agreed a six-year contract at Tottenham up until 2030, and was handed the club's number 14 shirt.

What to expect from Archie Gray

Position

A highly versatile player, Gray has operated in a number of positions in his career to date.

Naturally a central midfielder, Gray spent the majority of the 2023/24 Championship season for Leeds at right-back.

Gray's all-round skillset makes him likely to develop into a box-to-box central midfielder.

Height and build

Gray is tall at 6ft 2 ins and of lean build.

Preferred foot

Gray is naturally right-footed but is very competent with his left.

Style of play

Demonstrating his versatility in his early career, Gray is an all-rounder footballer who is both defensively astute and technically assured.

At 6ft 2 ins, Gray is a physical specimen who is more than capable of holding his own in aerial duels and one-v-one physical battles.

Having regularly played at right-back for Leeds, Gray is a tenacious tackler and competent ball-winner.

Gray's array of attributes marks him out as a player with the potential to grow into a complete midfielder.

With the athleticism to glide across the pitch, Gray is also blessed with a football brain beyond his years which allows him to read the game and recycle possession with poise.

Capable of operating as either a number six or number eight in Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou's preferred 4-3-3 formation, Gray can also provide cover for Pedro Porro at right-back.

As a hard-working, adaptable player who is technically assured and likes to play football on the deck, Gray is a perfect fit within Postecoglou's progressive tactical philosophy.

Stats

In the 2023/24 Championship season for Leeds United, Archie Gray ranked 1st amongst all U21 players in the following metrics:

• Tackles made (97)
• Possession won in middle third (101)
• Possession won in defensive third (94)
• Final third passes (527)
• Passes into the final third (271)

(Stats source: Squawka).

Career so far

Previous clubs

An academy product of Leeds United, Gray made 52 appearances for the Whites before signing for Tottenham in July 2024.

Gray was part of the Leeds side who went down 1-0 in the Championship play-off final against Southampton at Wembley in May 2024.

International caps

An England youth international at several age groups, Gray is now part of the Under 21s setup.

The midfielder scored on his England Under 21s debut in a Euro 2025 qualifier away to Azerbaijan in March 2024.

Gray remains eligible to represent England or Scotland at senior international level until he makes a competitive appearance for either nation.

Archie Gray: What they said

I would not swap Archie with anyone in this league [Championship]. He has more potential than any player in this league in his position.

- Daniel Farke, May 2024 (Leeds Live)

He was probably the outstanding young player in the Championship, which is not an easy league. He's a super young player with a great attitude.

- Ange Postecoglou, July 2024 (SpursPlay)

My childhood dream was to win the Champions League with Leeds, captain England at senior level and win a Ballon d'Or.

- Archie Gray, December 2023 (Guardian.com)