I didn’t want to be 70 saying I could have signed Archie Gray – Ange Postecoglou
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Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham will aim to bring in more experienced players moving forward, but has no regrets over taking advantage of a “unique opportunity” to sign Archie Gray this summer. Gray has shown his class during recent weeks when the versatile 18-year-old has deputised at centre-back and helped injury-hit Spurs register crucial wins over Southampton and Manchester United.
Tottenham secured the services of Gray in a player-plus-cash deal in July which could be worth £40million and while he is yet to start in his favoured central midfield position, the ex-Leeds ace has made 18 appearances across all competitions ahead of Sunday’s visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The decision to sign Gray along with fellow teenagers Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert had prompted recent criticism over the club’s desire to prioritise prospects over ready-made first-team options, with Dominic Solanke the only permanent arrival this summer to go straight into the starting line-up.
Postecoglou suggested there will be a subtle shift over the upcoming transfer windows but is delighted with the ever-improving Gray. “I was really keen to get Dom in because I knew he’d make us better from day one, absolutely, and he has. He’s been outstanding,” said Postecoglou.
“When you are paying for ready-made players there’s a premium. How we allocated the rest of that money was a decision we had to make. “Do we go for somebody else who is ready-made? We could have done but I think it would have been one of those stories where I’ll be 70 years old and I’d be saying ‘you know what, I could have signed Archie Gray’ and Archie Gray ends up being the player we know he’s going to be.
