Leeds United sold Archie Gray to Tottenham in the summer of 2024, and the midfielder is looking to progress towards being a Premier League regular.

Leeds’ 2-1 defeat at home to Spurs prior to the international break brought a handful of reunions on both sides.

One of those was Archie Gray, who didn’t get on the pitch, but made his feelings known to us Leeds fans at full-time.

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Archie Gray nominated for Golden Boy award – Prize for best U21 talent playing in Europe

It’s a shame we never really got to see Gray flourish long-term in a Leeds shirt. His performances in 23/24 were marvellous, but at right-back, we didn’t see the best of him.

It didn’t deter Spurs from being willing to fork out £40million to sign him. After a mixed first year where he was largely again out of position, his stock remains incredibly high and growing.

Archie Gray made his return to Elland Road as Leeds United hosted Spurs this month. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Golden Boy nominations for 2025, an award for the best youngster under the age of 21 – and Gray is nominated.

English starlets Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) are also up for the award.

One would expect Desire Doue (PSG) scoops up the prize after a stunning season helped his side to the Champions League.

Archie Gray nomination underlines Leeds United’s youth development strength – potential selling point to new signings?

You could see from Gray’s debut against Cardiff City in August 2023 that he was special, and this nomination doesn’t teach us anything new about the player Leeds saw slip away from them.

However, it’s the latest proof that Leeds are a superb platform for these players. Gray isn’t the first Leeds-affiliated name to be up for the prize in recent years.

Joe Gelhardt and Willy Gnonto have also been nominated for the Golden Boy award. (Pictures via Reuters)

The 2022 iteration saw United have two players nominated in the initial 100-player list. Joe Gelhardt’s breakout saw him named, while Willy Gnonto (signed in September 2022) made the final 20-player shortlist.

If Leeds can consistently have players come through their ranks and be part of such a prestigious award, then we’re clearly doing something right.

Of course, it would be nice if Gelhardt’s breakout manifested into something more lasting than just helping us stay up. Or Gray staying for more than a year. However, it demonstrates that Leeds in the past few years have had assets on their books viewed as some of the best in world football.

The next Gray off the conveyor belt might be the best of the bunch so far too.