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Robbie Fowler says Leeds did something ‘brutal’ this summer, 49ers are paying the price

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Robbie Fowler says Leeds did something ‘brutal’ this summer, 49ers are paying the price

It has already been a tumultuous summer for Leeds United, with many players leaving the club and only four arriving, and Robbie Fowler has spoken out on one issue.

Leeds confirmed the arrival of Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United on Saturday night for a fee of £5m, addressing the lack of options the club have at right-back following a string of departures from Elland Road this summer.

It comes after Luke Ayling, Cody Drameh, Rasmus Kristensen, Jamie Shackleton and Connor Roberts left Daniel Farke’s side. Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns and Joe Rothwell have all signed for Leeds so far.

In terms of sales, the club sold six players and the one that stands out is Archie Gray. His £40 million move to Tottenham was largely because the club needed a cash boost for Profit and Sustainability reasons.

Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Leeds even admitted in their statement following Gray’s sale that they were “heartbroken” to sell the Thorp Arch academy product, largely because of the family dynasty he leaves behind at Elland Road.

Of course, grandad Frank, great uncle Eddie, dad Andy and younger brother Harry have all pulled on the Leeds white. Indeed, Harry Gray played in the club’s first friendly of the summer against Harrogate.

In his column in The Mirror (21/07, p73), former Leeds striker Fowler commented on Gray’s sale and the backlash he received for it, saying it was the “price you pay” for failing to gain promotion.

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“Unfortunately for the fans at Elland Road, this is just the brutal reality of not being in the Premier League. If they had come back, I’m sure Gray could have stayed. The Gray family will probably have mixed emotions too.

“Especially Leeds legend Eddie. But until Leeds are an established Premier League club again, losing players like Archie is the price you pay (for not being in the Premier League),” Fowler said of Gray.

Photo by Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

Gray’s departure now has two positive sides for Leeds United duo

His departure meant Leeds could strike a deal for Rodon, with a quarter of the fee paid by Tottenham going back to Spurs for the permanent signing of the Wales defender. A move that appeased angry fans.

But after Friday night’s win over Harrogate, the inclusion of 15-year-old wonderkid Harry Gray also helped Leeds fans shake off their frustration over the sale of Archie to Spurs, with the youngster looking excellent.

He could be next in line to shine for Leeds and continue the family dynasty. Josh Warrington recently said LeedsUnited.News that he hopes Leeds can secure promotion and re-sign Gray for a club record fee.

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