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“Sold for just £6m, he has now become one of the Premier League’s world-class talents, what a huge regret for Leeds”- Leeds may regret selling ‘one of the PL’s most underrated players’ for £6m
Leeds United’s transfer activity has played a key role in boosting their chances of securing promotion to the Premier League under Daniel Farke, with several notable signings adding significant value to the squad.
One such acquisition was Jayden Bogle, who joined from Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United for £5 million during the summer.
The 24-year-old has firmly established himself as the team’s starting right-back, delivering outstanding performances.
Despite his defensive duties, Bogle has contributed four goals and two assists, helping Leeds maintain the best attacking record in the Championship.
Meanwhile, winger Manor Solomon, though only at Elland Road on a temporary basis, has stepped in admirably for Crysencio Summerville.
Solomon has impressed with 14 goal contributions, tying for the fifth-most in the division.
However, Leeds’ successful recruitment is also a result of the significant funds generated from the sales of several academy graduates over the years.
Key Academy Departures
Kalvin Phillips, who made his first-team debut in 2016 as a teenager, is perhaps the most notable academy graduate to leave Leeds.
Despite starting his career in a more advanced role, Phillips was converted into a deep-lying midfielder by Marcelo Bielsa, making nearly 250 appearances for the club.
His £45 million transfer to Manchester City in 2022 marked the culmination of his rise at Elland Road.
Another high-profile departure was Archie Gray, who also came through the club’s youth ranks. At just 17 years old, Gray made a significant impact during the Championship season, playing various roles, including full-back and central midfielder.
His performances led to a £40 million move to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, following 52 appearances for Leeds.
While Phillips and Gray brought in the most revenue, one academy graduate left the club for a lower price but has gone on to shine in the Premier League.
A Former Leeds Academy Star Now Shining in the Premier League
As Leeds edges closer to a potential return to the Premier League after a two-year absence, the club may soon face former academy stars such as Phillips and Gray.
If Leeds secures promotion, they could also come up against another ex-youth product, Lewis Cook, who now plays for Bournemouth.
Cook, now 28, made his debut for Leeds in the 2014/15 season, quickly establishing himself in the first team with 38 appearances.
His performances also earned him recognition at various England youth levels.
In his next season, Cook added another 47 appearances to his tally, taking his total to 85 games for Leeds, and won the EFL Young Player of the Year award before leaving the club.
In the summer of 2016, Lewis Cook made a £6m move to Bournemouth, where he has since become a crucial figure in their unexpected push for a Champions League spot this season.
With over 250 appearances for the Cherries, Cook has been a standout player despite battling two separate ACL injuries, proving his importance to Andoni Iraola’s team on the South Coast.
In the 2024/25 season, he has made 28 appearances, mostly at right-back, leading one social media commentator to label him “one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.”
While Bournemouth’s recent success has largely been attributed to their two central defenders and attacking players, Cook’s contributions have flown under the radar in England’s top flight.
Given his early promise at Leeds, the £6m fee received for his transfer now seems like a bargain considering his performances in the Premier League.
However, at the time, the chance to play in the top division was too appealing for the young player to pass up, and Leeds rightly didn’t stand in his way—though undoubtedly with some reluctance.
It’s rewarding to see Cook’s rise after an early career that was hampered by injuries. As he aims for a chance to feature among Europe’s elite in the near future, there’s no doubt that Leeds fans wish he were doing so at Elland Road instead of the Vitality.
