Lewis Bate is close to a move to Leeds, just days after it was reported he was not going to sign a new contract at Chelsea.
Simon Johnson of the Athletic is always well connected in these situations, and he has just Tweeted that the tidy left footed midfielder is “closing in on” a permanent move to Leeds. A medical will take place tomorrow, and personal terms are being decided now.
Lewis Bate is closing in on a move from #CFC to #LUFC. Fee has been agreed with a sell on clause, no buy back. Personal terms being discussed in view of a medical tomorrow. Still possibility of another club hijacking it late but obviously time is running out for that to happen.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) July 20, 2021
Chelsea have little say in the matter because Bate has just a year left on his contract, and isn’t willing to extend despite their best offers. It’s an incredibly disappointing result for the club, especially as there is no buy-back clause to allow them first option on their academy product in the future.
But with the path to the first team so congested with senior pros and talents like Billy Gilmour, it’s understandable why Bate feels he has to take matters into his own hands.
We wonder who else will follow him this summer?
It makes sense really.
Clubs like Chelsea, Man u, Liverpool & Man City, have so much money and can buy the best player available, for all positions.
The players will be ‘finished’ and proven in the top flight, and can step into the team.
Young players have to be exceptional, and patient, to even get a place on the bench.
Good luck to him.
I I’m Chelsea fans