Leeds United could stand to benefit financially from Mateusz Bogusz’s potential move to Mexican club Cruz Azul, with reports indicating that the club inserted a sell-on clause when he left Elland Road for LAFC in March 2023. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, this clause means that Leeds are in line to receive a portion of the reported £7 million transfer fee if the deal comes to fruition. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has flourished in Major League Soccer (MLS), a stark contrast to his underwhelming spell at Leeds United, where he made only three first-team appearances across three seasons under Marcelo Bielsa.

Bogusz’s move to LAFC initially raised eyebrows, as his limited opportunities at Leeds had left many questioning his potential. However, since his departure, he has enjoyed a remarkable transformation. In his time at LAFC, Bogusz has become a key figure in the team’s attack, netting 22 goals in 79 appearances across all competitions. His standout performance in the 2023 season, where he scored 18 goals, has been particularly impressive, with his strike rate surpassing one goal every two games. This significant improvement in his form has not only elevated his reputation in MLS but has also earned him recognition on the international stage, as he made his debut for the Polish national team in recent fixtures. This development serves as a testament to how far his career has come since leaving Leeds.

Leeds United officials appear to have recognized Bogusz’s potential when negotiating his move to the United States. The inclusion of a sell-on clause in the deal, despite his limited opportunities at Elland Road, now looks like a shrewd piece of business. It demonstrates foresight by the club, which could see the benefits of this move if the transfer to Cruz Azul materializes, providing a welcome financial windfall.

This move comes at an opportune time for Leeds, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the January transfer window closure. Financial resources gained from a sell-on clause could provide the club with a valuable injection of funds to help pursue further signings or bolster their financial standing for future transfers. It highlights a rare moment of strategic thinking in terms of player sales for Leeds, especially in contrast to some of their previous transfer dealings involving players like Leif Davis and, more recently, Archie Gray, where sell-on clauses were not included.

Ultimately, while Bogusz may not have made the grade at Leeds, the club could yet benefit from his success in MLS and his potential transfer to Cruz Azul. A successful deal could provide Leeds with the funds they need to pursue their ambitions, especially with the January transfer window nearing its close on 3 February.