Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray has signed a new long-term contract to keep him at the club until 2028.
The 17-year-old’s deal had been set to expire in 2025 but he has now further committed his future the club.
Gray has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Leeds this term and has been a mainstay in the starting XI, making 28 appearances in all competitions.
He signed his first professional contract in March 2023 after turning 17 and the club’s plan had always been to tie him down to a longer-term deal as soon as he turned 18.
The teenager has progressed within the club’s academy system and was selected in a first-team Premier League squad at the age of 15, being named on the bench for a home match against Arsenal in December 2021.
Gray’s start during Saturday’s win at Cardiff City was his 26th for the club and saw him equal the record for the number of Leeds starts made before turning 18.
He has also progressed through the England youth ranks and made his debut for the Under-20 side in November.
Leeds sit fourth in the Championship and return to action on Sunday with the visit of Preston North End.
How important is Gray’s new contract for Leeds?
Gray is the jewel in the crowd at Leeds, the most exciting academy graduate in many years and a player who many think has the potential to go to the very top of the game.
Everyone at Elland Road is realistic about the challenge of holding onto him long-term but there has always been an intention to retain Gray at this stage of his career, which was why he was signed to professional terms at the earliest opportunity when he turned 17.
Because there are limits on the length of deal a 17-year-old can sign, the aim was to renew it as he approached his 18th birthday and a deal to 2028 is a far more substantial agreement, protecting a big asset.
GO DEEPER
Archie Gray: Not long out of the classroom, but well on his way to making grade at Leeds
(Leeds United Football Club)