‘BBC Sport understands’ – Major update to Leeds-linked striker after Tuesday action
Leeds United fans were watching the play-off final with more than just detached interest on Tuesday night.
Leeds supporters were all Fulham fans for the night after Athletic journalist Phil Hay linked them with moves for two Brentford players – Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma.
Hay said that Leeds were confident they could land Benrahma for under £20m if the Bees missed out on promotion and the same is now true of Watkins.
The BBC confirmed on Wednesday that an £18m buyout clause has now been activated for the 25-goal striker, following Brentford’s loss in extra time at Wembley.
The BBC article said: “Brentford forward Ollie Watkins can leave for £18m as a buyout clause has been activated following Tuesday’s Championship play-off final defeat by Fulham.
“The clause kicked in if Brentford missed out on promotion to the Premier League, BBC Sport understands.”
Watkins for £18m? Yes, please
Leeds need a new striker and there’s no one we’d prefer to see at Elland Road than Watkins. If we were Victor Orta, we’d be straight on the phone and looking to activate this buyout for Leeds.
We’ve watched a lot of Watkins this season and it’s not just his 25 goals that have got us excited.
He’s a striker in the same mould as Patrick Bamford but he’s proved to be a much more clinical finisher this season.
His hold-up play is fantastic and while he wasn’t at his best last night, he showed his strength on the ball and his work rate is second to none.
Premier League clubs will come in for him and we hope that Leeds can tempt him to Elland Road.
We think he could learn so much from the Leeds manager and we’d expect him to thrive in the Premier League.
We think £18m is a steal and we could see Watkins playing alongside and instead of Bamford.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds fans rightly concerned about activity outside Bielsa flat – it has to stop