Leeds United Could Lose First-Team Star as Release Clause Comes to Light

As the summer transfer window begins to gather momentum, all eyes are on Leeds United. The club is preparing for an eventful few months as it returns to the Premier League, aiming to solidify its position in the top flight. While speculation continues to mount regarding potential signings, fans must also brace for inevitable departures. Among the most surprising revelations so far is that several key players are now up for sale—and one of them, Sam Greenwood, reportedly has a shock release clause in his contract.

Balancing Ambition with Financial Realities

After securing promotion back to the Premier League, Leeds United are in an enviable position. The club has momentum, a passionate fanbase, and a management team committed to sustainable progress. Chairman Paraag Marathe has already assured supporters that the club will invest significantly to ensure survival and, ultimately, success in the Premier League.

However, in the era of Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), even the wealthiest and most ambitious clubs must make calculated decisions. With new arrivals likely to command significant transfer fees and wages, player sales are an essential part of maintaining financial compliance. This summer will therefore be a balancing act: one that combines building a squad fit for the Premier League while offloading talent that no longer fits into manager Daniel Farke’s long-term plans.

Early Transfer Window Developments

In the first week of the transfer window, it became clear that Leeds would be open to letting several senior and young players leave. Among the more high-profile names reportedly available for transfer are goalkeeper Illan Meslier and versatile defender Max Wöber. Both played important roles in recent seasons but could now be sacrificed to fund new arrivals.

At the same time, the club is looking to monetize several promising young talents who have yet to cement a first-team role. Joe Gelhardt, Darko Gyabi, and Sam Greenwood—once viewed as the future of Leeds—are all now available for sale. While their potential is undoubted, the decision to cash in on them reflects the pragmatic approach being adopted this summer.

The Sam Greenwood Situation: A Shocking Clause

The most eye-catching revelation came from football insider Graeme Bailey, who disclosed that Sam Greenwood has a release clause of just £1.5 million written into his current contract. Speaking to EFL Analysis, Bailey admitted that he does not believe the clause will be necessary, as he doubts high-profile Championship clubs would pursue the player.

“He has a release clause of about £1.5m, but I don’t think it’ll be needed,” Bailey explained. “I don’t see him at Leicester at all to be honest. He had a very middling season at Preston, and I’d be amazed if one of the top Championship clubs took him.”

Bailey continued, “I’d be very shocked if one of the major promotion contenders took him—one of the relegated teams especially. There’s a reason he was at Preston last season. He proved that was just about his level, playing for a relegation contender. I don’t think he goes from being OK at Preston to playing for Leicester. I’d be pretty staggered.”

Greenwood’s Mixed Loan Spell at Preston

Sam Greenwood spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Preston North End, a club that ultimately fought to avoid relegation from the Championship. While his stint was far from spectacular, Greenwood did put in a solid campaign. In league play, he registered five goals and three assists—numbers that ranked him as one of Preston’s top attacking contributors for the season.

Though his performance was not sufficient to spark widespread interest from elite Championship clubs, it may have done enough to attract attention from mid-table or lower-tier sides looking for a creative option in attack. Clubs like Sunderland and Leicester City have already been loosely linked with the forward, although Leicester’s reported interest appears to be limited at best.

Regardless of whether his release clause is triggered or not, Greenwood’s market value seems to align with Leeds United’s valuation. At just 22 years old, he has room to develop and has proven he can contribute at the Championship level. For a club in need of squad depth and budget-friendly signings, he represents an intriguing option.

Leeds’ Strategy: Profit Through Development

Greenwood’s situation is emblematic of Leeds United’s broader strategy. With an influx of young players over the past few seasons, the club has created a pool of talent that could either develop into first-team regulars or be sold for profit. In Greenwood’s case, his time at Leeds may be coming to an end, but the club could still benefit financially from his departure.

This profit-oriented approach to player development is becoming increasingly common across football. Clubs like Brentford and Brighton have made it a cornerstone of their models—invest in young players, develop them in competitive environments, and then sell at the right moment. Leeds appear to be following a similar path.

What the Future Holds for Greenwood

For Sam Greenwood, the upcoming weeks will be critical. His loan spell at Preston may have served as a platform to relaunch his career, albeit not at the very top level. At 22, he remains an asset with potential, particularly in systems that emphasize technical ability and versatility. While Bailey’s comments reflect skepticism about Greenwood making the jump to a top Championship side, football has a way of surprising even the most seasoned analysts.

Should a mid-table club decide to take a chance on him—especially with the relatively low financial risk posed by his release clause—Greenwood could find himself with a new opportunity to revive his trajectory. If that happens, Leeds will have accomplished a double goal: balancing the books and giving a young player a fresh start elsewhere.

Fans React: Disappointment and Understanding

News of Greenwood’s potential departure has sparked varied reactions among Leeds supporters. Some see it as a necessary step in a wider squad overhaul. Others, especially those who have followed his journey since joining from Arsenal’s youth academy, are disappointed to see a homegrown player leave.

On social media, fan reactions range from “we never really gave him a fair chance” to “makes sense if we’re moving to a higher level of play.” For most, the sentiment is bittersweet: Greenwood never quite made the leap to first-team regular, but his potential and work ethic were never in doubt.

The Bigger Picture: Leeds Gears Up for Premier League Return

As the transfer window progresses, the focus will remain on high-profile signings and bold decisions from manager Daniel Farke. But stories like Sam Greenwood’s remind us that football is also about evolution—some players move on to make space for others.

Leeds United are not only trying to survive in the Premier League—they want to thrive. To do so, they must make tough calls, balance emotional attachments with practical realities, and invest wisely. Greenwood’s release clause and potential exit are just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

As fans anticipate new signings and speculate on potential arrivals, they should remember that every signing requires room to be made—and for some players, the journey continues elsewhere.

Sources: The Leeds Press, EFL Analysis, Fotmob, Imago Images, Transfer speculation via Graeme Bailey interview.