CONFIRMED: Leeds in contact to sign their best talent since Archie Gray for £10m

Leeds in contact to sign their best talent since Archie Gray for £10m

Leeds United have a big summer ahead of them. The Yorkshire side won the Championship and are finally promoted to the Premier League again, after their failure to do so in the 2023/24 campaign. Daniel Farke’s future came under question despite the success, but he will stay at the club to lead them in the top flight.

 

There is no doubt, it will be a challenge for the Whites to stay in the Premier League. They will need to recruit well to buck the trend that we have seen over the last few years, of promoted sides being relegated immediately.

 

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke celebrates after the match

One direction they could take is to recruit top young talents, and they have been linked with one already this summer.

 

Leeds targeting move for teenage sensation.

Leeds have had some exciting young talents on their books over the last few seasons, including Archie Gray, now a Europa League winner with Tottenham Hotspur. Well, perhaps the next starlet to play at Elland Road will be Lennon Miller of Motherwell.

 

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According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are one of many clubs in the Premier League who have ‘had contact about Miller’ this summer, with the view of completing a potential transfer in the coming weeks.

 

They will face stiff competition. They are one of ten Premier League sides interested in a move. Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg ‘appear to be stealing a march’ on those interested English sides, as well as the Italian trio of Atalanta, Bologna and Como.

 

lennon-miller-celtic-premiership

In March, it was reported by Football Insider that Motherwell would ask for £10m for Miller this summer.

 

Why Miller would be a good signing

It has been a statement campaign from Miller this season. Described as a player with “huge potential” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, that is already ringing true. The 18-year-old is uncapped by Scotland at senior level, but was named in Steve Clarke’s squad for their friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein next month.

 

Lennon Miller

The midfielder has been a vital cog in the works at Fir Park this term. He has played 39 times across all competitions, scoring four goals and creating eight others for his teammates. Despite being such a young age, he has already played 3398 minutes, an average of 37 full 90-minute games.

 

One of the striking things about Miller is his versatility. The 18-year-old is someone who can be trusted to play anywhere in the midfield. This term, he has played 12 games each as a number six, a number eight and a number 10.

 

Should the Whites bring Miller into the club this season, he could be their best talent since Gray, who left the club for North London last summer. The 19-year-old made 52 appearances for his boyhood club last term.

 

archie-gray-tottenham-leeds-premier-league

There is no doubt about Gray’s ability. He was named as the male Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards back in February, which he said “means a lot to me”.

 

He has certainly been a big loss to Leeds.

 

There are actually plenty of statistical similarities that can be drawn between Miller and Gray, highlighting the fact that he could be their most exciting talent since their former academy star departed the club.

 

When looking at the numbers on Squawka, considering Gray’s stats from his Championship campaign last season, you can see similarities. For example, this term Miller has won 5.9 duels and played 16.5 forward passes per 90 minutes, compared to Grey’s 4.6 duels won and 13.8 forward passes each game last season.

 

Miller vs. Gray key stats compared

 

Stat (per 90)

 

Miller (2024/25)

 

Gray (2023/24)

 

Open play passes completed

 

25.7

 

32.8

 

Forward passes

 

16.5

 

13.8

 

Take-ons completed

 

0.6

 

1.1

 

Duels won

 

5.9

 

4.6

 

Ball recoveries

 

6.6

 

4.8

 

Stats from Squawka

 

It seems that, if Leeds can secure the signing of Miller, he could be a diamond in the rough. His talent is undeniable, and he is a leader, having captained Motherwell ten times at just 18 years of age this term.

 

Motherwell youngster Lennon Miller in action against Rangers

If they manage to win the race for Miller this summer, then he will surely be an exciting addition and their best talent since Gray left the club.

 

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