Leeds United sell-on clause comes good as 'opportunistic' ex-academy star secures Belgian move — YEP 12/7/24
By Graham Smyth
Leeds United will earn a sum in the region of £800,000 after
one of their former Under 21 players secured a move to Belgian top flight club
KAA Gent.
Max Dean’s impressive 18-month stint at MK Dons attracted
interest from a number of teams at home and abroad and though it appeared as if
Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse would reunite the striker with fellow former Whites
academy star Charlie Cresswell, Gent have won the race for his signature. The
YEP understands that the Belgian Pro League side bid €2m for the 20-year-old
forward and Leeds are thought to have included a 50 per cent sell-on clause in
the deal that took Dean to MK Dons in January 2023.
Dean was unable to make a senior breakthrough at Elland Road
but made himself a popular figure with fans due to his all-action, combustible
playing style and goalscoring exploits. In January 2023 he made a free transfer
move to MK Dons to link up with former Leeds coach Mark Jackson. Dean played
the majority of last season under Mike Williamson as the Dons made the League
Two play-off semi-finals. Dean departs MK Dons with 20 goals from just 43
appearances, with five assists to boot.
MK Dons sporting director Liam Sweeting said the youngster
had earned his move abroad: “First and foremost, we are extremely proud of what
Max has achieved with us and the opportunity this has created for him as he
begins a new chapter in his career. Like many players throughout the club’s
history, Max joined us looking to forge a path in the game and the outcome is
one for us all to celebrate. Once again, our club has provided a platform,
pathway and developmental environment that allowed Max to showcase his
qualities - and create great memories for us all in the process. He is the
latest example of what players can achieve at MK Dons. Without a doubt, Max
shared a special connection with our fan base, and while we made every effort
to offer him a new and improved contract and keep him in Milton Keynes,
sometimes an opportunity to test yourself playing top-flight football in
another country is just too appealing to turn down."
Last season Gent finished the regular Belgian Pro League in
seventh spot but won the split-off Conference League section to once again
qualify for Europe. Head coach Wouter Vrancken is delighted to bring the
youngster on board. “Max has a special profile,” he said. “An opportunistic
type with a direct playing style. He radiates a lot of energy, does not
hesitate in the box and scores easily with the left or right. It is a good
thing that our scouting can also identify these types of players.”
Dean himself added: “I am very happy with this great
opportunity and am really looking forward to playing in front of the supporters
of KAA Gent. Hopefully we will see each other soon and have great times
together. I can't wait to get started."