Leeds United let Adam Clayton go to Huddersfield Town for mere pocket change – now he’s proving his worth in the Premier League with Middlesbrough.
If and seemingly when Middlesbrough follow their North East neighbours Sunderland down the Premier League trapdoor, no one could possibly question Adam Clayton’s commitment to the cause.
In Monday night’s narrow and somewhat unfortunate defeat to Arsenal, the 28-year-old may not have dominated the midfield with class and an excellent passing range but his relentless work ethic at least gave the hosts a chance.
It’s that same combative style that made Clayton one of the Championship’s most highly respected midfielders, earning him that £1.5 million move to the Riverside from Huddersfield Town in 2014, as reported by Sky Sports.
Therefore, Leeds United could be forgiven for wondering what might have been had they not flogged the then-23-year-old to their Yorkshire rivals for just £350,000 two years earlier, according to The Examiner.
Because the former Manchester City prospect appears an ideal fit for the tactics employed by manager Garry Monk at Elland Road. Averaging 2.4 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in a sturdy and pragmatic Middlesbrough midfield, Clayton’s work rate and consistency would surely have seen him play a major role in The Whites’ attempts to reclaim their Premier League status.
However, after inking a new four-year deal with Middlesbrough last month, it appears that Clayton will be remaining on Riverside regardless of which division Steve Agnew’s strugglers find themselves in next season.
Leeds have made more than a few high-profile transfer mistakes over the years but, in hindsight, perhaps letting Clayton leave on the cheap is one they will regret the most.
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