Victor Orta’s time at Leeds United may be remembered for all the wrong reasons, but his negotiations have just handed the Whites an unexpected boost.
Orta was sacked from his position as sporting director in May 2023, just a few weeks before Leeds were officially relegated, and 49ers Enterprises completed their full buyout.
A string of poor managerial appointments and failed recruitment led to his dismissal at Elland Road, of which Leeds are still feeling the effects of to this day.
Leeds have lost significant amounts of money through the sale of his signings, none more so than Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Marc Roca.
Around £41 million was spent on those three players by Leeds, and have all since gone onto leave permanently in the last seven months for a reported combined figure of just £6.95 million.
It was his contract offer to Jack Harrison just a matter of weeks before Leeds’ relegation that has enabled him to leave on loan for a second successive season, too.
Leeds to benefit from Max Dean sale
Amid all the deserved negativity surrounding Orta’s time at Leeds, they have just reaped an unexpected benefit from his negotiation skills.
Former Leeds U21s striker Max Dean has today completed a move to Belgian side KAA Gent from MK Dons, a year-and-a-half on from his Elland Road exit.
At the time, Leeds did not receive any fee for Dean but according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, a 50 per cent sell on clause was negotiated into the deal by Orta.
That could now well have banked them in excess of £1 million, with the Milton Keynes Citizen reporting the deal is worth more than £2 million.
Given Dean was a product of Leeds’ academy, that will represent pure profit on the club’s financial accounts, which is important for their compliance with PSR.
Having also sold academy graduates Archie Gray and Charlie Cresswell for a combined figure of more than £40 million, Leeds should now be in a healthy position financially.
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Dean’s move to Belgium great for his career
Dean always looked like one of the bright sparks of Leeds’ U21s side but it was always going to be difficult to make it at Leeds.
He took the risk of going out to play regularly in a permanent deal to MK Dons, and now all parties are reaping the rewards.
Not only are Leeds benefitting financially, but he is now at a club where he can play top division football.
If he does well, those sort of leagues can provide an excellent stepping stone for a future return to England in either the Premier League or Championship.
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