‘Thankfully’: BBC pundit says Leeds United actually made a genius decision

Leeds United may have only made one January signing but it wasn’t the only piece of business they did last month.

The Whites took until the very last minute of deadline day to announce the loan signing of Connor Roberts from Burnley, to bring in that much-needed ‘specialist’ right-back.

But Roberts is certainly going to face a fight on his hand to establish himself as first choice, as Archie Gray just continues to grow into the role with every passing week.

In his breakthrough season at just 17, Gray has left pundits and teammates alike blown away by his performances on a weekly basis, and Leeds were able to tie him down to a new long-term deal in January that will activate once he turns 18.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the match, pundit Jon Newsome believes displays from Gray like last night make tying him down to a new contract a real relief.

Newsome blown away by Gray’s intelligence

He said: “Football intelligence. He’s a player. Thankfully we have tied him to a new bumper contract and I think there will be a few more of them coming his way.”

Gray is already attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs but signing him to a new deal means Leeds are protected in two ways.

Clubs will have to pay serious money if Leeds are ever going to entertain selling him, but at the same time, they really aren’t under any pressure to do so.

Gray is a boyhood Leeds fan and has already publicly shared his dream of achieving big things at the club, and hopefully that starts by helping the Whites win promotion.

That said, Leeds fans should enjoy every moment that Gray is at the club as it really won’t be long until sides like Manchester City are ready to tempt him to make the move.