Massimo Cellino’s stubbornness could cost Leeds United with Charlie Taylor wanted

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Charlie Taylor is reportedly on Leicester City’s radar as a potential replacement for Ben Chilwell. The Times is suggesting that Brendan Rodgers is keen on the Burnley defender, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur hoping to sign England’s first-choice left-back. 

It would be a huge reward for Taylor, who has had an excellent season at Turf Moor. Such form has forced him into the conversation regarding Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad. 

Of course, Taylor came through the youth academy at Leeds United and the manner of his departure from the club is now set to cost the Whites. 

Taylor had a year left on his Leeds United deal in 2016 and was clearly hopeful of a move to the Premier League. However, a feud between then-Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino and Taylor’s agent Colin Pomford soon developed. 

As reported by The Mirror, Cellino had already failed to see eye-to-eye with Pomford over Sam Byram’s contract. The right-back was eventually sold to West Ham with just six months left on his deal. 

Cellino then vowed that he would not sell Taylor, eventually allowing his contract to expire at Elland Road. 

“I’m very disappointed with the way he has acted. We are not going to let him go. Trust me!

“The agent is the same as Sam Byram’s. But I promise, even if we lose him at the end of the season for free, I’m not selling him.”

The result was Taylor joining Burnley on a Bosman and Leeds receiving a reported compensation fee of £5.2 million (Times) after a tribunal.

But by not negotiating the sale themselves, Leeds have failed to include any sell-on clause in Taylor’s future. 

Considering the current market, Taylor is likely to command a significant transfer fee of which Leeds will not receive an agreed portion. 

Of course, Taylor and his agent played their part. But given the manner in which Leeds was being run back in 2016 and Taylor’s Premier League ambitions, it is easy to understand why he wanted to leave Elland Road. 

Had Cellino bitten the bullet a year early, Leeds might be set to cash in on Taylor once again this summer.