MOT Leeds News

Leeds United are not understood to have included a sell-on clause in Archie Gray’s summer 2024 transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs and Leeds are both embroiled in the Premier League relegation battle, as the season begins to draw towards a dramatic conclusion.

Daniel Farke’s side have been in frustrating form recently, with no league win in their last six, with four draws and two defeats in that time period.

Tottenham meanwhile are potentially writing one of, if not the most, remarkable relegation stories English’s top flight has ever seen.

If that was to happen, however, Leeds wouldn’t be rubbing their hands together at the thought of a potential Gray-sized financial boost.

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Why Leeds United won’t benefit from future Archie Gray sale

Gray could haunt Leeds when they play Tottenham on 9 May, as by that point of the season, the result of the game may have a very big, and possibly even final say, on the Premier League futures of both teams.

That is the third-last game of the campaign, with Spurs away at Chelsea and at home to Everton after that, whilst Leeds host Brighton at Elland Road and then travel to West Ham on the final day respectively.

Leeds will naturally hope that isn’t the case with Gray, as the 20-year-old is still a well-liked figure among the Elland Road faithful, both for his service to the club, and for his familial ties to the Whites.

As such, his summer 2024 move to Tottenham was a painful one for many Leeds fans, as it was revealed that Spurs had triggered a release clause in his contract, leaving them powerless to stop him from making the move to N17.

And, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post at the time, there is understood to be no sell-on clause for Leeds involved in that deal, meaning any future sale by Spurs wouldn’t see the Whites take a slice of the pie.

Therefore, if there were some Leeds supporters hoping to see Tottenham go down to increase the likelihood of a Gray sale, and thus bring a cash injection into Elland Road, then they no longer need to.

Where would Gray fit into the current Leeds team?

One of Gray’s undoubted top attributes is his versatility, as he’s capable of playing anywhere across the defence and in central midfield.

He’s continued to do exactly that for Tottenham this season, but had Spurs not snatched him away from Elland Road, where might he be turning out in Farke’s current Whites side?

A defensive midfielder by trade, the middle of the park is perhaps where Leeds are strongest this season, with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev all quality options.

Therefore, it’s perhaps at right-back/right-wing back where he would be playing, as despite Jayden Bogle having a solid season, he doesn’t have that star quality that Gray does, but would provide an excellent cover option.

Archie Gray will only increase his standing among the Leeds fanbase after his latest comments.

Leeds sold Gray to Tottenham in 2024 in a £40million deal, to ease Profit and Sustainability concerns at Elland Road.

Supporters were gutted when the academy graduate left, as he was seen as one of the most promising talents in LS11, for years.

He constantly talks about the Whites, which makes sense as the Gray family is heavily associated with the Yorkshire club.

Archie Gray labels Patrick Bamford’s Leeds goal as the best he has ever seen

Gray‘s Tottenham teammate, Micky van de Ven, scored one of the goals of the season in the Champions League clash with Copenhagen on 4 November.

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After that strike, he was asked what the best goal that he had ever seen live was, and he did not pick the Dutchman’s wonderful effort.

Instead, he went with Patrick Bamford‘s strike for the Whites in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough United in the 2023-24 season, in a move that will only make Leeds fans’ love for him grow even more.

In a video posted on Tottenham’s official X account on 7 November, he said: “Patrick Bamford vs Peterborough, FA Cup, I think. Had the ball in our half, Ethan Ampadu played a long ball.

“Patrick Bamford took it down on his chest, it went up, and he smashed it into the top corner. That was really good wasn’t it.”

Leeds fans may have another concern about Gray shortly

Peacocks’ supporters may have another Gray to worry about in the near future.

Archie’s brother, Harry Gray, is emerging as a contender for a place in the first-team squad under Daniel Farke.

The 18-year-old recently signed a new contract with the Whites, but there is significant interest expected in his services from clubs like Tottenham and Manchester City.

The 49ers Enterprises group must ensure that the side are still in the top-flight, they keep the finances steady, and that Gray gets opportunities, otherwise he may be forced to move elsewhere, like his older sibling.

They will hope that history does not repeat itself, and he does not depart like Archie did, leaving fans devastated once again.

Every word Wayne Rooney said about Leeds on Match of the Day after loss vs Tottenham – One player ‘should do better’

Leeds’ year-long unbeaten run at home in the league came to an end on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at Elland Road by Tottenham Hotspur.

Mohammed Kudus’ 57th-minute strike was enough for Spurs to take all three points against Leeds, who battled well throughout the 90 minutes as Storm Amy hit West Yorkshire.

Jayden Bogle shone despite Leeds’ loss to Tottenham, while Noah Okafor scored his second Premier League goal of the season.

Unfortunately for Leeds, Tottenham’s quality was too much for Daniel Farke‘s defence to handle and Wayne Rooney largely believes that the Whites manager will be happy with the overall performance against last season’s Europa League champions.

Wayne Rooney has his say on all of Leeds’ big chances vs Tottenham

Both Joe Rodon and Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed big chances for Leeds as they lost to Thomas Frank’s Spurs side on Saturday afternoon.

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Rodon struck the post with a header early on, while Calvert-Lewin had multiple opportunities in front of goal for Leeds to seize at least a point at Elland Road.

Farke admitted after the game that Leeds missed too many chances in the game.

Former Manchester United star Rooney rued those missed chances while reacting to the footage of highlights from Leeds’ loss.

“Leeds were very unlucky to come away with no points,” Rooney said on Match of the Day on Saturday night. “I thought they created some good chances but they just weren’t clinical enough.

“We see here, early on, Rodon comes around the back, it’s a good ball and it’s a good header and he’s unlucky not to score.

“There’s really good pressure on the ball, they win the ball back high but Calvert-Lewin just can’t get the ball out of his feet and it’s not a great shot and he should do better.

“Again, here, I like this from Calvert-Lewin. He’s always occupying the back line. The first pass doesn’t come when maybe it should but he carries on to be a threat in the box.

“It’s a really good first touch and he’s unlucky with the shot.

“This is what we know Calvert-Lewin can do in the air – he’s a presence. There’s a really good chance and an excellent save.

“I think Daniel Farke will be really happy with the performance. They played well. They created chances but they just weren’t clinical enough.”

Wayne Rooney also responds to Gabby Logan’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin question

After Rooney finished his overall verdict on the game, Match of the Day host Gabby Logan specifically asked him about Calvert-Lewin.

Since joining Leeds on a free transfer in the summer following his release by Everton, the 28-year-old has scored once in six appearances and started each of Leeds’ last four Premier League games.

Part of the battle for him has been avoiding injury and staying fit.

And Rooney believes that if Calvert-Lewin does that, he can be a real asset for Farke going forward.

He said: “We all know Calvert-Lewin is a good player and the biggest issue has been keeping him fit.

“He’s started his career at Leeds well, he’s creating chances and if he stays fit, he’s a handful for any defender.”

Leeds now don’t have a game until 18 October when they head to Turf Moor to face Burnley, who were promoted alongside them from the Championship last season.

After that, West Ham will be welcomed to Elland Road on 24 October to see out the month.

How to watch today’s Leeds United vs Tottenham Premier League game: TV channel and kick-off time

Leeds United are back in action at Elland Road as Tottenham travel to West Yorkshire on Saturday.

Leeds face fourth-place Tottenham, with a chance to draw level on points with their opponents with a win on home turf.

Daniel Farke has issued a rallying cry to his Leeds players ahead of the game, with the Whites unbeaten home record on the line.

Below, MOT Leeds News presents a guide on how to watch the game if you’re not travelling to Elland Road.

Leeds vs Tottenham kick-off time, TV channel and stream

Leeds are underdogs against Tottenham on Saturday, but will be confident of causing an upset, with the visitors fresh off a long journey in midweek to Norway.

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Tottenham have a good record against Leeds recently, winning the last four times the two have faced.

Farke‘s outfit, though, are in good form and won’t be daunted by the task ahead of them, with Spurs coming off the back of two uninspiring draws.

Leeds against Spurs is the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, with the game getting underway at 12:30 pm BST.

Fans will be able to watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and stream it via discovery+.

Live radio commentary of the game will also be available on talkSPORT.

Leeds looking for first win against Tottenham in four years

Leeds have a really poor record against Tottenham recently, and are looking for their first win since May 2021.

Worryingly for the Whites, the last three games against Spurs have seen them concede four goals in all three games.

Leeds fans will not like the look of that record, especially after conceding five to the other North London club, Arsenal, earlier this season.

Saturday is a chance to rectify that, however, and Leeds will take confidence from their recent performances, and hope they can catch Spurs on the hop following their European exploits.

Leeds United will look to continue their bright start to the season when they host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Tottenham are favourites to win the match at Elland Road, but Daniel Farke’s side have shown that they can be a match for any Premier League team at home.

Leeds are looking stronger in attack, having scored five goals in their last two games, while Tottenham have shown some recent vulnerabilities in defence despite a strong start overall.

Ahead of the match, MOT Leeds News shares the latest team news and offers a prediction for the game.

Form guide (all competitions)

Leeds: DWLDD

Tottenham: DDWDW

Team news

There are no new injury concerns following Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

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Lucas Perri will likely remain unavailable in goal, while Dan James and Willy Gnonto will both remain out of contention with their injuries.

Thankfully, Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson have found some form in their absence. Leeds have looked dangerous in attack with these two starting on the wing.

It means Farke could keep faith with the XI players who started against Bournemouth, although there’s talk he might use this game to give Jaka Bijol his first Premier League start.

Tottenham left Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Palhinha on the bench against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, and fell 2-0 behind against the Norwegian minnows.

They managed to salvage a 2-2 draw when these three were introduced, so you could expect them all to start at Elland Road.

Predicted XIs

Leeds: Darlow, Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Longstaff, Aaronson, Stach, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Van De Ven, Romero, Spence, Palhinha, Bentancur, Simons, Bergvall, Kudus, Richarlison

Prediction: Leeds 2-2 Tottenham

Tottenham have a strong team and are more organised under Thomas Frank, but they have fallen behind in their last few games, relying on their attackers to bail them out and save a draw.

Leeds have the players to cause Tottenham problems if they play with the same intensity they did against Wolves and Bournemouth.

This match has all the ingredients of an entertaining score-draw.

Leeds welcome Tottenham to Elland Road on Saturday, hoping to make it three games without a loss.

Last time the two met at Elland Road in 2023, Spurs put up an impressive performance with a 4-1 win.

Leeds have not managed a win over Spurs since May 2021 under Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds vs Tottenham will take place on Saturday at Elland Road

As well as their battles on the pitch, Leeds and Tottenham have shared more than their fair share of players over the years, with numerous top-level stars having turned out for both clubs.

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Here are five Leeds United favourites who have played for Tottenham as well.

Paul Robinson

Robinson came through the Leeds academy, making his debut for the club in 1998, where he kept a clean sheet against Chelsea.

At the time, Robinson was in and out of the team as the number two Goalkeeper, making five league appearances in his first season.

Robinson finally established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper in 2002/03, where he played all 38 League matches.

The next season, Robinson joined a very exclusive list of goalkeepers who have scored for their club, scoring a header against Swindon Town in the final moments of the League Cup.

Robinson made the switch to Tottenham in May 2004 for a fee of around £1.5 million.

He went on to play 175 times for Spurs before joining Blackburn in 2008 and then Burnley in 2015.

Jonathon Woodgate

Woodgate began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Leeds at the age of 16.

Making his debut in 1998, Woodgate was regarded as one of the most complete all-round players to come through the Leeds academy.

Woodgate was unlucky with injuries throughout his time at Elland Road, not playing as much as he would’ve liked.

Leeds hit financial troubles in 2003, and as a result, sold Woodgate to Newcastle for £9 million. This resulted in the departure of manager Terry Venables, who disagreed with the sale.

Robbie Keane

Keane joined Leeds on loan from Inter Milan in 2001, netting nine goals in 14 games.

An impressive run of goalscoring form saw the Irishmen sign a permanent deal at Leeds, at an original cost of £12 million.

Keane was unable to maintain his form for Leeds, scoring just six times the following season.

Leeds were forced to sell Keane in 2002, on deadline day, to Tottenham Hotspur for £7 million.

Aaron Lennon

Lennon made history on his Leeds debut away at White Hart Lane, becoming the youngest player to feature in the Premier League at 16 years and 129 days.

Lennon netted once in his Leeds career against Sunderland in a 3-2.

He became a starter for Leeds during their Championship campaign, before moving to Tottenham in 2005 for £1 million.

Lennon would go on to play over 300 games for Spurs before leaving in 2015.

Archie Gray

Gray was a fan favourite for Leeds during his first full season at the club.

Coming through the academy, playing 52 times in the 2023/24 season, picking up the young Championship player of the year.

Gray left for Spurs in 2024 for around £40 million, where he has featured 51 times so far, winning the Europa League in his first season.

How much Timo Werner could earn at Leeds after shock transfer update

Daniel Farke is keen to add another forward to his Leeds squad before Monday’s transfer deadline.

An unexpected option has emerged, with Leeds United interested in a move for Timo Werner, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham.

The German is set to leave RB Leipzig in the closing days of the window, with the Premier League side among his next possible destinations.

Nottingham Forest look set to beat Leeds to the signing of Dilane Bakwa, who had appeared to be among the Whites’ top options for the wide role.

Leeds signed Noah Okafor from AC Milan last week, but are looking for another option on the wing, with Manor Solomon yet to be replaced.

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Timo Werner would be forced to take pay cut for Leeds move

Werner was considered among Europe’s best forwards in the years before his move to Chelsea.

The striker had consistently returned huge numbers for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, eventually earning him a £45m move to the Premier League.

But the shift in style affected Werner, with the pacey forward no longer afforded the space to regularly run beyond the last line of defence.

At the end of the 2021/22 season, the German returned to the Bundesliga and to RB Leipzig, but could not rediscover his previous form.

After 18 months on loan at Spurs, Leipzig are again open to his departure this summer, with Leeds and Burnley among the interested suitors.

BILD reported that Werner is earning around £8.6million in Germany, which translates to around £165,000 per week.

To put that into perspective, Leeds’ top earner, according to Capology, is Jack Harrison, who earns around £90,000 per week.

Given Werner’s likely place in Farke’s squad if he is to join, he would certainly be expected to take a pay cut, and could even be forced to halve his wages to around £80,000 per week for the deal to be financially feasible for Leeds.

Where would Timo Werner play for Leeds?

In the limited minutes Werner did spend on the pitch for Tottenham last season, he featured exclusively on the left wing.

In Farke’s squad, the German would likely play a similar role, providing pace and energy off the bench in place of Okafor.

Timo Werner:

Werner’s potential arrival could allow Largie Ramazani to leave the club, with the 24-year-old appearing not to be in the plans for Leeds this season.

Leeds United and Tottenham have a long history in transfer windows.

Manor Solomon enjoyed his stint at Elland Road after signing on loan from the North London outfit last summer.

While Daniel Farke wants the Spurs attacker back for the Premier League campaign, a potential deal doesn’t seem to be on the cards at the moment.

But instead of the West Yorkshire outfit bolstering their squad with Tottenham’s players, Thomas Frank’s team have taken someone from LS11.

Oliver Boast transfer announced by Tottenham from Leeds United

Spurs have signed former Leeds Under-18 striker Oliver Boast for their youth team.

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The North London outfit’s academy announced on X (22 July) that the England youth international has linked up with their Under-18s as a first-year scholar.

Boast joined the Whites as an eight-year-old and, after progressing through the ranks, became a regular for the Under-18s last season.

The 16-year-old also recently made his debut for the West Yorkshire outfit’s Under-21s, but his potential future at Elland Road has been cut short with his switch to Tottenham.

Farke should ask for more attacking transfers at Leeds

Farke has made Patrick Bamford surplus to requirements at Leeds, and his departure undoubtedly means they will look for a new centre-forward.

The West Yorkshire outfit didn’t rely on the English striker much last season, and it isn’t surprising to see the German manager be blunt about his future in LS11.

Real Betis have been chasing Mateo Joseph this summer, and the Whites could potentially lose two of their number nines in the coming weeks.

Leeds are working on signing Igor Paixao from Feyenoord, but more additions will arguably be needed to be ready for the rigours of the Premier League.

Joel Piroe can’t be expected to shoulder the burden of scoring goals next season, and more depth is needed up front in case of fitness issues.

Farke should demand more investment from 49ers Enterprises this summer, and it remains to be seen what sort of business the Peacocks do before the end of August.