Leeds United need to consider buyback clause as ‘excellent’ set-piece taker leaving permanently

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Leeds United have been busy strengthening their squad ahead of the Premier League season, but one promising youngster is now on his way out.

The Yorkshire side have brought in numerous new faces this summer, with hopes of avoiding Premier League relegation.

The club’s hunt for a number 9 continues with four strikers on Leeds United’s list, with Adam Underwood holding fresh talks with another free agent.

The Whites have also suffered another transfer blow with Newcastle entering the race for Bilal El Khannouss, a player Leeds have already held talks with.

Now, one Leeds youngster could be on the move, but the club would be wise to add a buyback clause should he flourish at another side.

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Why a buyback clause is a smart move for Leeds

Reported by Leeds Live, Sam Greenwood looks set for a permanent exit during this transfer window.

He was on loan at Preston North End last season and is said to be attracting attention from other clubs with one year left on his contract at Elland Road.

Leeds should be wary of a scenario where Greenwood flourishes elsewhere. By inserting a buyback clause, they can protect their investment and maintain control over a player who could still realise his considerable potential. This is a win-win for the club.

It allows Greenwood the regular first-team football he needs to develop while providing Leeds with the option to bring him back for a pre-determined fee if he becomes the player they hoped he would be.

It is a low-risk strategy that could pay significant dividends down the line, especially given his age and technical ability.

• READ MORE: Leeds United one of three Premier League clubs in talks for striker that has just sacked his agent

Ally McCoist impressed by ‘excellent’ Sam Greenwood during Man City clash

During a defeat to Manchester City in 2022, two goals from Erling Haaland and one from Rodri saw Pep Guardiola’s side cruise to a comfortable victory.

Leeds did manage to register a consolation as Greenwood whipped in a corner to assist Pascal Struijk. Talking on Amazon Prime Ally McCoist was impressed with the delivery from the Leeds youngster.

“What a ball. What a cross. Great delivery. It’s all about the pace and the quality of the ball from Greenwood,” said McCoist (quotes by BBC Sport.)

“Stones probably covers his goalkeeper too much, not sure that he would have saved it anyway. Struijk gets Leeds back in the game. The quality of the set play was excellent.”

This moment of quality highlights the underlying potential Sam Greenwood possesses. It’s the kind of technical skill that doesn’t just disappear.

For Leeds, a permanent move away with a buyback clause isn’t just a safety net; it’s a clever bit of business that allows them to cash in now while still having a path to bring a more developed, top-tier player back to Elland Road in the future.