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Sam Greenwood could already be set for surprise Leeds United exit after Phil Hay drops £1.5m update
Sam Greenwood, who is currently out on loan at Middlesbrough this season could already be set for a surprise Leeds United exit after a latest Phil Hay update.
The Athletic journalist reported on Monday (9 October) that Teeside giants can exercise the option to buy the 21-year-old who has a contract at Elland Road until 2026 for just £1.5million.
It is said that this is the exact amount Leeds United paid to secure his services from Premier League giants Arsenal back in 2020.
Hay reports that Middlesbrough – and Greenwood – have the remainder of the season to assess the potential of a permanent transfer.
The 21-year-old forward scored his first Middlesbrough goal during Saturday’s 4-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light to cap an impressive individual performance which certainly highlighted why he is highly regarded at Elland Road.
Last August, he signed a new contract until 2026 but that was under Jesse Marsch, who saw a midfield role for Greenwood.
But since then, he’s had limited chances in West Yorkshire which ultimately led to his decision to go out on loan and the £1.5m reported clause in his contract which Middlesbrough can trigger should they wish to, means the Whites are certainly open to his exit which is incredibly baffling.
First and foremost, Greenwood is a highly-rated commodity at Elland Road and arguably one of their most gifted academy products and while a loan move was always on the horizon for him given his lack of opportunities, it should be expected that he’d best set for a first-team role upon his return.
That now looks like a strong uncertainty with that incredibly small exit clause.
Also, Greenwood still has three years left on his deal which makes the £1.5m demand even more ridiculous and not exactly good business from the Whites at all.
It all seems to suggest that he is not as highly regarded by Daniel Farke as he was with Marsch or Bielsa and the Whites could not be staring down the barrel of another unfortunate, surprise and costly academy exit at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke is “totally convinced” that one “unbelievable” Whites player can improve as the season goes on.