Leeds United’s record player signing was worth £35.5million. But for teams near the top of the Premier League, that’s pocket money.
Leeds United broke their club transfer record when they signing Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in 2023, paying £35.5million for the Frenchman.
Rutter then joined Brighton in a £40million deal during the summer transfer widow, in what is the Whites’ third-most expensive player sale of all time.
Money in football is becoming astronomical. For Leeds, competing even at the top end of the Championship table is becoming an expensive gig, let alone competing in the Premier League.
The January transfer window opens in less than 24 hours and Leeds look set to do their share of business, albeit with Daniel Farke previously suggesting Leeds United will be quiet in January.
But there’s players being linked with moves to Elland Road, as well as names being linked with moves away. One name mentioned alongside the Whites is Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
Chelsea now linked with Leeds United target Evan Ferguson ahead of January
It’s been loosely mentioned that Leeds, along with Championship rivals Sunderland, are interested in signing Ferguson on loan from Brighton during the January transfer window.
Leeds have been tipped to bolster their attack in January and Ferguson, who’s featured just 12 times in the Premier League this season, scoring once as he’s played a more bit part role, could be on the move.
But an emerging report from talkSPORT claims that Chelsea have Ferguson on their January transfer radar.
It’s also mentioned in the same report that Brighton still value the Republic of Ireland international between £80-100million, despite his lack of goals this time round.
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What’s been said about Evan Ferguson to Leeds United ahead of January
Speaking recently, Don Goodman rated Ferguson’s links to Leeds United and pretty much summed up how most might perceive the links.
Goodman said: “I can’t see him playing in the Championship no matter how big a club is.
“I do think Evan Ferguson would be the perfect addition to Leeds United or Sunderland. But do I think he’ll end up in the Championship? No, I don’t.”
Despite what’s been a slow 2024/25 season so far, Ferguson remains only 20 years old. He’s still got a lot of potential yet to fulfil, but even so, this apparent £80million valuation still seems sky high.
Leeds don’t seem to be completely out of the race for Ferguson. But a deal in January only seems to be getting less and less likely.
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