Leeds United has a track record of nurturing talented young players through their academy system, and Archie Gray seems to be the latest promising prospect to emerge. At just 17 years old, Gray has already made significant contributions, starting in 29 out of 33 Championship matches this season, often playing in an unfamiliar right-back position.
Under the guidance of head coach Daniel Farke, Gray has flourished into a regular starter for Leeds United, showcasing his potential at the professional level. However, Leeds United’s history includes instances where promising talents have been sold prematurely, as seen with Alex Mowatt.
Mowatt, who initially showed great promise after breaking into the senior squad at Elland Road, was sold to Barnsley in January 2017 for a reported fee of £600k, despite having made over 100 appearances for the club. While he had established himself as a key player during several seasons, his game time dwindled in the first half of the 2016/17 campaign, leading to his departure.
Mowatt’s transfer came as a surprise to him, as he felt undervalued by then-manager Garry Monk, who only saw him in a specific attacking midfield role. Nevertheless, Mowatt’s move to Barnsley proved to be beneficial for his career, as he showcased his abilities, tallying impressive statistics in goals, assists, and chances created.
His performances caught the attention of West Bromwich Albion, who secured his services on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. By November 2021, Mowatt’s market value had skyrocketed to €10m (£8.6m), representing a remarkable increase of 1,333% from the initial transfer fee Leeds United received for him.
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