Tottenham Hotspur star Archie Gray is unlikely to push for a loan move in January despite seeing limited playing time under Thomas Frank, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed.
The 19-year-old midfielder has played just 89 minutes of first-team football so far this season, with his only start coming on the opening weekend in Tottenham’s 3-0 home win over Burnley.
Despite a difficult start to life under the Danish tactician, Gray is expected to stay and fight for his place in the team, with Bailey comparing his situation to Lucas Bergvall’s, who has been an important player for Frank this term.
Gray was left out of Tottenham’s squad entirely for their 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend and for the 1-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League midweek.
Archie Gray Expected to Stay at Spurs
According to Bailey, Gray’s recent absence from Tottenham’s matchday squad is likely to act as a ‘wake-up call’ for the 19-year-old rather than force him to explore a loan move in January:
“I don’t think so. I think it’s a wake-up call. Look at what Lucas Bergvall is doing. Gray is one of those players who will not shy away from a fight. I’ve seen him since he was 14, so I’m a bit biased.
“He’s an absolute superstar. He should be pushing for England contention, though he probably won’t. He has all the potential in the world, and it’s good that he’ll now be seen more as a midfielder.
“It hasn’t helped him in the past, but Tottenham appreciated what he did last season when he filled in at the back. He could do that because he’s a brilliant footballer with a brilliant football mind. That’s why he could play in defence, he is that good.”
Gray, praised as ‘phenomenal’, joined Tottenham from Leeds in the summer of 2024 and made 46 appearances in all competitions during his first season in North London.
He made 19 starts in the Premier League and another nine appearances off the bench, but has yet to register a goal contribution in his 3,300 minutes on the field.
Tottenham have spent around £180m on new signings this summer, with Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha among notable arrivals.
They are sitting third in the Premier League table going into Saturday’s away clash at Brighton, having won three of their first four games.