Arsenal has historically been decisive in releasing players who don’t meet their high standards. However, Michael Gray, a former defender for Sunderland and England, believes that three years ago, the club allowed a Premier League-level center-back to leave for just £2 million—currently valued at around £60-80 million.
Gray, who played 289 matches for Sunderland from 1992 to 2004 before moving on to clubs like Leeds United and Blackburn, still has strong ties to his former club. He has been thoroughly impressed by Sunderland’s recent performance in the top flight.
After securing promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, Sunderland, led by manager Regis Le Bris, currently sits seventh in the league with 29 points from 19 matches. Their notable victory against Newcastle United in mid-December has been a highlight of their campaign.
Ex-Arsenal Academy Prospect Worth £80 Million, Says Michael Gray
This summer, Sunderland wasn’t shy about investing in new players to strengthen their squad. Key additions like Granit Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele have significantly influenced their early-season success. Nevertheless, several players from their Championship days continue to contribute, with Enzo Le Fee and Dan Ballard being notable examples.
Dan Ballard, a former Arsenal academy prospect, found himself without a clear path to the first team under Mikel Arteta. He transferred to Sunderland in the summer of 2022, and since then, he has flourished. Gray recently praised Ballard’s astonishing development, noting that he could be worth £60-80 million, particularly highlighting his performances during critical matches.
Ballard’s commitment to self-improvement, including enhancing his physicality and positioning, has made him an essential part of Sunderland’s defense. He has played 15 matches since the season began, scoring twice and assisting once, while forming a solid partnership with Paraguayan international Omar Alderete.
Ballard Previously Opened Up About Love for Arsenal
Ballard recently expressed his affection for Arsenal, noting how the club played a crucial role in his early career despite never having a meaningful first-team connection. He reflected on the significance of his goal against Arsenal in a recent match, emphasizing his determination to celebrate a goal in such an iconic stadium. As he continues his career at Sunderland, maintaining his position alongside Alderete remains a top priority, especially with the promise of European competition on the horizon.
