Tottenham unlikely to loan out ‘world-class’ youngster despite lack of game time

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Transfer market expert Graeme Bailey cannot see Tottenham loaning out one youngster despite his lack of game time at the start of the season.

Several Tottenham players’ fortunes have changed for the better since Thomas Frank walked through the door, with Richarlison being the best example of a player who has got a new lease of life.

The opposite example is that of Yves Bissouma, who does not appear to have a future at Tottenham.

One man many expected to play a lot more this season is Archie Gray, who Thomas Frank tried to take to Brentford in the past, but that has not happened so far.

Gray’s only start under Frank came in Tottenham’s first Premier League game of the season against Burnley.

The 19-year-old has played just 89 minutes of football so far this season, but Bailey cannot see Tottenham loaning the teenager out in January, backing him to evolve into a future England player.

When asked if he could say Gray leaving Spurs on loan to get regular game time, the journalist told TBR Football: “I don’t think so. I think it’s a wake-up call. Look at what Lucas Bergvall is doing. Gray is one of those players who will not shy away from a fight. I’ve seen him since he was 14, so I’m a bit biased.

“He’s an absolute superstar. He should be pushing for England contention, though he probably won’t. He has all the potential in the world, and it’s good that he’ll now be seen more as a midfielder.

“It hasn’t helped him in the past, but Tottenham appreciated what he did last season when he filled in at the back. He could do that because he’s a brilliant footballer with a brilliant football mind. That’s why he could play in defence, he is that good.”

Will Gray ask to be loaned out?

While Frank may want to keep the former Leeds man at Spurs, there is a possibility that the youngster would get tempted to make a temporary move in order to prove himself.

However, Bailey does not expect that to happen, insisting that Gray will believe that he can make the impact that Bergvall has at Tottenham.

The journalist added: “He could be a good Premier League defender, but he’s potentially a world-class midfielder. Tottenham have two absolute superstars in Bergvall and Gray.

“In terms of a loan, I don’t think Gray will want that, but we’ll see. Sarr is playing well, Bergvall is playing well. Gray is probably fifth or sixth in the pecking order at the moment, but it will be interesting to see how he breaks through.”