Leeds have seen many talented players burst through the ranks of late, some making the jump up to the first team while others have required to leave in order to get the playing time they need.
Max Dean was one of those, producing a solid goal return at Thorp Arch but jumping at the chance to move to MK Dons, then managed by former Leeds youth coach Mark Jackson.
After a stellar campaign in League Two last season where he netted 19 goals and registered five assists, Dean’s MK Dons form earned him significant transfer interest from a top flight club.
Football Insider shared that Toulouse had a transfer offer accepted to sign the 20-year-old striker for £1.7million, while Gent in Belgium were similarly keen at matching the bid.
However, Gent have since won the race to sign the youngster:
Leeds are sure to be taking a keen interest in his whereabouts this summer, though, as they reportedly hold a 50% sell-on clause in Dean’s contract, banking half of the above fee if a transfer is completed.
As much as Leeds could be about to bank £850,000 for someone leaving a League Two club, their sale of Dean is looking somewhat premature.
Sold by Jesse Marsch as a teenager, Dean was looking like a sharp-shooting number nine in our U21s, but then never looked close to the senior setup as Mateo Joseph started to emerge.
There will be no complaints on that front as Leeds look to unleash Joseph full-time this season as a major senior option, but having Dean on the books was a missed opportunity.
Toulouse’s investment in the past few seasons has been shrewd as they consolidate back in the top flight, and the interest in Dean is justified.
Dean could be looking at a fairly rapid rise if he takes to Ligue 1 as quickly as he did senior football in general, and there’s no lack of self-confidence from the striker himself to bring that to fruition.
Should that materialise, Leeds will be looking on enviously, no doubt.
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