Leeds United have had a very good record of producing young talents. The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Pascal Struijk, Archie Gray and most recently Harry Gray have come up to the first team from youth level.
But the decisions made after they make it to the first team have brought mixed reactions. Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville played a huge part in the team two seasons ago, and Leeds made a huge profit off both of them.
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However, there is a long list of youngsters that have not panned out, and some that the club have wasted their potential. Names like Charlie Cresswell, Joe Gelhardt and most recently, Mateo Joseph come to mind. Almost all of them failed in their bid to break into the first team and forced a way out.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United players?
Dortmund submit bid to sign former Leeds United product
Credit: Imago
Cresswell joined Toulouse and has been outstanding for the French side so far. His stock was elevated after he helped England win the U21 Euros this summer. Now, the defender is subject to a big move. David Ornstein is reporting that Borussia Dortmund have had a bid rejected for the youngster.
🚨 EXCL: Borussia Dortmund approach Toulouse over deal to sign Charlie Cresswell. Opening bid for 23yo centre-back rejected as falls below #Toulouse valuation. Talks on England U21 int’l continue & #BVB also maintain Aaron Anselmino pursuit @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/tfY3ppbFf2
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 22, 2025
Talks are expected to continue over a deal.
Club to earn windfall from clause
Leeds retain a 15% sell-on clause in the defender’s contract according to multiple reports. So the Whites will earn a small cut on whatever profit Toulouse make from the sale of the young defender. If the Ligue 1 side are able to net a profit over £15million, that means Leeds earn a handsome seven figure fee from producing a fine player from their academy.
And with PSR being a big part of club’s finances recently, that fee could go a long way into helping transfers and wages.
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