Report: ‘I couldn’t say no’ – Archie Gray speaks in his first Spurs interview
Tottenham have officially unveiled the signing of 18-year-old star Archie Gray, with the player full of praise for the club, Postecoglou and his fellow players in his first interview
Tottenham officially sign Archie Gray
Last Saturday (29/6/24) The Athletic revealed that Tottenham target, Archie Gray, had agreed personal terms with Brentford with a medical scheduled for a £35 million switch to the Bees. However, fast forward three days and all has changed with Gray now being announced as a Spurs player.
The Athletic even published minutes after Gray was confirmed to have joined Tottenham that ‘Gray asked Leeds United to reject Brentford’s offer. They agreed to do so, which opened the door for a move to Tottenham’.
Football.London revealed that the deal is worth £40 million with a £30 million fee plus Joe Rodon, who Leeds have given Tottenham £10 million for. The 18-year-old shone in his breakout season at Leeds United, featuring 52 times in a campaign where his team narrowly missed out on promotion.
Tottenham officially announced the transfer at 10:30 am on Tuesday (2/7/24) revealing that the England U21 international has signed a six-year deal with the club.
Gray will wear the number 14 shirt that stars such as Luka Modric and David Ginola have also donned in the famous Lilywhite shirt. (Tottenham Hotspur)
Gray hails Postecoglou factor in his move to Spurs
After being snapped holding the Tottenham shirt, confirming his move to the club, Archie Gray has been speaking to the club’s in-house media in a video posted on Tottenham Hotspur’s X account.
Gray admitted that “it still hasn’t sunk in yet, to be honest” going on to be extremely positive about Tottenham and the club’s prospects under Postecoglou.
Archie is clearly setting his sights on progression at Spurs, being pretty confident about the team’s top four chances already, stating “When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually, and Europa League this year, I couldn’t say no”.
The idea of Champions League qualification almost being a given is likely to have stemmed from the 18-year-old’s talks with Ange Postecoglou who HITC report ‘persuaded Gray that a move to the club was right for him’.
It appears that Postecoglou was certainly a driving factor in Gray’s choice of club as he revealed “I’m not going to lie to you, I’m a massive Celtic fan, so I love him and my whole family loves him!” following up by explaining “it’s a massive project under Ange and something I want to be a part of”.
Postecoglou was a ‘massive factor’ according to Gray who explained that ‘playing under a good manager is really important to me’ with the youngster concluding “I’ve still got loads to learn as I’m only 18”.
Gray expresses plan to break into Spurs first team
A point of discussion around Gray’s move has been both his prospective playing time and position, with the player having experience playing in midfield as well as right back.
Gray acknowledged this, explaining “I see myself as a midfielder as my ideal position, but I don’t put myself down to one position” and that he sees himself as a “versatile player and can play in a lot of positions on the pitch”.
When asked about the club’s fans Gray promised “I’m not bothered where I play I’m just going to give 100% and that’s all that matters”.
He added, “We’ve got a really strong connection with the fans which I think is really important as well” citing how it was ‘massive’ for him at Leeds.
A starting place in the team is clearly at the forefront of Tottenham’s latest signing mind as he described his aims as “trying to get into the team ultimately at the start and trying to stay in the team” with Gray following on to explain how he feels both the physical and technical aspects of his game are suited to the Premier League.
Spurs Web Opinion
Gray is an outstanding talent, shining very brightly in a very nearly successful Leeds United side last season, with his commanding performance in the FA Cup at just 17 being a big sign of what is to come.
The newly signed Spurs man spoke very well in his opening club interview with his positive remarks about the club’s support likely to make him popular amongst fans.
Most importantly, his praise and clear admiration for the manager reflected an aligned view on the future between Gray and Postecoglou in regard to how the player and club can work in harmony for a successful future.
With the signing of Lucas Bergvall as well as Gray who will be joining 21-year-old, Pape Mate Sarr, the future of Tottenham’s midfield looks very bright.
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