Concerns over compensation payments thwarted Leeds United’s move for teenage Crystal Palace midfielder Jadan Raymond, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay and Matt Woosnam.
Jadan Raymond Move Halted By Costs of Tribunal
Championship Side Thwarted By Compensation Fee
The Championship leaders were reportedly in advanced talks with Raymond’s representatives at the end of June. However, the club were unwilling to commit to a potential tribunal fee – thought to be in the region of £750,000 – without the guarantee of promotion to the Premier League.
The 16-year-old has since committed his future to the Eagles, signing a two-year scholarship with a professional contract attached after rejecting interest from several clubs.
European Interest
Following the collapse of scholarship discussions with Palace earlier in the year, Raymond was free to discuss opportunities elsewhere from June 6 and quickly attracted interest from several European teams.
Aside from Leeds, the youngster was also on Chelsea’s radar. The Blues reportedly showed an interest in the midfield last week but his lack of playing time due to an injury suffered last November dissuaded them from progressing further.
Portuguese Primeira Liga side Vitoria Guimaraes also offered Raymond a contract, promising the starlet regular training opportunities with their first team and an immediate move into their B team.
However, following discussions with senior figures at both clubs and a virtual tour of their respective facilities with his family, the England U17 international opted to continue his developed in south London.
A Future Star
Raymond has been in the Palace academy since the age of eight and previously represented Wales at U16 level. He switched allegiance to England last year and has since featured alongside Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot for the U17s.
The central midfielder is one of a number of highly-rated players in the Eagles’ youth set-up and lifted the national Super Floodlit Cup for the U15s in 2019.
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