Leeds United tied Harry Gray down to a first professional contract this week. It puts an end to any lingering speculation that a bigger club could swoop in.

Outside of the transfer window, United still have important business to attend to this month regarding one of the club’s brightest talents.

Harry Gray turned 17 and was thus eligible to pen a professional contract, which would deter any of the supposed ‘bigger fish’ from trying to sign him.

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Harry Gray signs first professional Leeds United contract – Daniel Farke reacts

Confirmation finally came of Leeds tying down the 17-year-old to a new contract this week. United revealed that the forward had penned a deal on unspecified terms.

Harry Gray signed his first professional contract with Leeds United this week. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)

FIFA rules dictate that any player under 18 cannot sign a contract longer than three years. So, while United didn’t disclose the length of his deal, the maximum length would be until the summer of 2028.

Daniel Farke spoke about the contract news during his pre-West Ham press conference:

“Relatively straightforward because we have a lot of trust in Harry and his family,” Farke said, per the YEP. “We know how big the identification is. A cornerstone for our future is promising players like Harry signing new contracts because we want to develop our talents. But when you have quality young players, it takes a bit longer.

“Delighted it’s over the line and he could sign his first professional contract. Since yesterday back in team training which is good news. Congratulations to him and his family.”

New contract for Harry Gray may not stop the inevitable for Leeds United down the line

It’s great news that we’ve managed to get Gray’s contract sorted, even if it was probably a formality. That being said, there’s always that lingering fear in the back of your mind.

Harry can’t avoid the comparisons to his older brother Archie. That is just natural when two brothers make their way through one after the other. See Jude and Jobe Bellingham being constantly compared.

Archie Gray completed one senior campaign before he was gone for £40million to Spurs. That blow for Leeds came as a direct result of not being able to offer Premier League football to the midfielder.

Harry is obviously a massive fan of Leeds. He said as much in his announcement interview. But if, like his older brother before him, Gray feels his trajectory rapidly outgrows the club’s, we could see a repeat.

Tight PSR restrictions essentially forced Leeds into having that £40million release clause in 2024, and if United are back in the EFL, it’d hardly be a shock to see that unfold again.

Retaining Premier League status would be huge to keeping Gray on the books for as long as possible.

Should the club succeed in the short-term, United’s long-term prospects with Gray and other emerging talents would instantly be drastically improved.

Read more: Daniel Farke confirms worrying Leeds United team news pre-West Ham…