LEEDS UNITED have confirmed that Archie Gray joined Tottenham due a special release clause in his contract.
The 18-year-old completed a £30million move to North London on Tuesday, with centre-back Joe Rodon heading to Elland Road in exchange.
Gray was initially in talks to join Brentford, but negotiations broke down last week AFTER he completed a medical.
Spurs subsequently swooped in to hijack the move and managed to wrap it up within just a few days.
Leeds have since confirmed that Tottenham triggered a release clause that came into play following the club’s failed promotion push.
An official statement read: “Leeds United can confirm Archie Gray has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, after the North London outfit met a release clause that was triggered by the club’s failure to get promoted at the first attempt.”
The statement continued: “Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars.
“Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations.
“Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism.
“He leaves with the very best wishes for his future career and in the knowledge that Leeds will always be his home.”
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Leeds qualified for the Championship Play-Offs by finishing third in the table.
They beat Norwich 4-0 across two legs in the semi-finals but lost out on a Premier League place following a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley.
Gray has signed a long-term contract with Spurs that will run until 2030.
He will wear the number 14 shirt and can also play as a right-back.
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