Leeds United will have to accept that their talented team may now be exposed, as the West Yorkshire giants’ current standing in the Championship puts them in a precarious situation. They might benefit from the additional funding from the recent Red Bull agreement, but in the end, money talks, especially if they receive outrageous offers that they would be foolish to reject even for their most valuable assets.
Archie Gray is one of those names that Leeds might find it difficult to lose this summer, particularly if a reported £50 million or more bid is made by a footballing powerhouse like Bayern Munich, who are rumored to be interested in the 18-year-old following an incredible debut season at Elland Road.
Although Leeds is expected to work out a free transfer agreement for a suitable replacement, the young sensation’s lucrative contract does not necessarily mean the club will have to spend a fortune to replace him. Leeds is after the “wonderful” defender once more. Ben Johnson’s contract at the London Stadium expires this month, and a recent report by Football Insider has verified that he will leave West Ham United. Leeds is keenly interested in signing him as a free agent.
According to the website, Rangers in Scotland are also interested in signing the versatile defender. The 24-year-old has shown throughout his time with the Hammers that he can fill in anywhere needed throughout a back four.
His role at the London Stadium has diminished to that of a very bit-part player this season, as he has only started four league games and averaged a pitiful 39 minutes per game. Should Gray decide to leave, a move to Leeds would undoubtedly appeal to him. Why Johnson would make a fantastic Gray substitute Throughout his five years in the senior ranks, he has shown his value to the Hammers, winning two Young Player of the Year awards and receiving high appreciation from players like Stuart Pearce, who calls him a “wonderful professional” and content to play an unnoticed role for the Irons no matter how small.
But he might play a leading role here, covering for Gray not only when he’s not playing, but all over the field as Leeds look to push for promotion again.
Nevertheless, as you can see from the graphic above, Johnson has been most at ease playing right back for the Hammers, making two of his four Premier League starts this season. Although Gray has also performed well for Leeds in the middle of the park, he was still able to demonstrate his confidence when playing in midfield along the right flank. His performance against Manchester United in February of this year stands out.
Johnson, who has attempted eight crosses at Old Trafford, is always trying to get into the area and bomb the wings. As a result, he could easily fit into Farke’s starting lineup in Gray’s absence. Joel Piroe of Leeds, for example, has scored several goals this season by latching onto crosses.
This was demonstrated by Piroe, who leaped to power home as his team destroyed Norwich City 4-0 in the play-offs.
Leeds will be far worse off without a player like Gray in their lineup, but if they can get the 24-year-old from West Ham for a reasonable price to replace his versatility, this seems like a smart move worth investigating.
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