In signing for Tottenham Hotspur, Gray became one of the most expensive departures in Championship history, with Leeds reportedly landing around £30m for the 18-year-old.
Another player who appears to be on a similar career trajectory is Sunderland’s Chris Rigg. At 17 years of age, the midfielder has been tearing up the Championship this season and has forced his way into Regis Le Bris’ starting eleven.
Although the Black Cats will be hoping to achieve promotion to the Premier League, the club should use Gray’s transfer fee as a benchmark for any possible future sale of Rigg, as he is poised for greatness.
Gray’s transfer fee a benchmark for Sunderland
Having missed out on promotion to the Premier League, Leeds were in the unenviable position of having to sell their best players.
Over the summer, the Yorkshire club parted ways with several top players, including Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, and Gray.
Having come through the academy at Elland Road, Gray always had masses of potential. At 17 years of age, the midfielder made his debut for the club and went on to make 52 appearances in all competitions.
With a release clause set at around £30m, it was always going to be tough to hold onto Gray, and sure enough, Spurs pounced on the Englishman, meeting his release clause. With his value sure to rise, it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for the North London club, although first-team opportunities will be sparse.
Given the rise of Rigg, Sunderland will have noted the deal done between Leeds and Spurs and will use the fee as leverage in the future, should they need to sell.
