Arsenal corner flag
Image credit: Getty Images
Leeds United have confirmed the departure of former Arsenal academy forward Sam Greenwood, who has joined Polish side Pogoń Szczecin on a permanent deal. The transfer, valued at around €4 million (£3.4 million), sets a new record for the Polish Ekstraklasa, surpassing the €3 million Legia Warsaw paid for Watford striker Mileta Rajovic earlier this summer.
Greenwood, 23, arrived at Elland Road from Arsenal in 2020 for a reported £1.5 million, with add-ons potentially raising the fee to £3 million. Over five years with Leeds, he made 35 senior appearances, 25 of them in the Premier League and scored 22 goals in 43 matches for the club’s Under-21s.
Despite his promise, Greenwood struggled to secure a long-term future under Daniel Farke. He spent the last two seasons on loan in the Championship, first with Middlesbrough and then with Preston North End, where he scored seven goals and registered three assists in 45 appearances. With Leeds preparing for their Premier League return in 2025/26, the Sunderland-born forward was deemed surplus to requirements.
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Pogoń Szczecin have signed Greenwood on a three-year contract with an option for a further 12 months. The deal, brokered by the club’s vice president and general manager Tan Kesler, could make Greenwood one of the highest-paid players in Polish football.
Sam Greenwood
Former Arsenal academy forward Sam Greenwood (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I’m delighted,” Greenwood said after sealing the move. “I found a beautiful stadium and a beautiful city here. My goal is to be a great addition to the team, to help them, and of course, to win something with them. I know the Ekstraklasa is a tough league where anyone can beat anyone. I’ll fight for the team and give my all for the fans.”
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Greenwood first rose to prominence at Arsenal’s academy, helping the Under-18s win the Premier League South in 2018/19 with 10 goals and five assists. Known for his versatility and set-piece ability, he will now look to revive his career in Poland and build on Pogoń’s fourth-place finish last season.
Leeds United thanked the forward for his contribution in a club statement: “Everyone at Leeds United would like to thank Sam for his efforts whilst representing the club both on and off the pitch, and we wish him every success for the next step in his career.”
Currently seventh in the Ekstraklasa table, Pogoń face Raków Częstochowa this weekend, where Greenwood could make his debut. A reunion with former Leeds teammate Mateusz Klich, now with KS Cracovia, is also scheduled for October 25.
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