Leeds United have confirmed the transfer of last season’s top goalscorer Kemar Roofe, who joins Belgian side RSC Anderlecht for a fee believed to be between £6.5m and £7million.
The striker departs West Yorkshire for the Jupiler Pro League, having spent three years at Elland Road, scoring 32 goals in 122 games across all competitions following his £3million move from Oxford United.
Roofe enjoyed his best league season in front of the net with the Whites last term, as he struck 14 goals in the Championship on route to the Play-Off Semi-Finals, where he notched his 15th of the campaign against Derby County in the First-Leg.
Fifteen per cent of his transfer fee will go to his former side Oxford via a sell-on clause instilled in his Leeds contract, while a portion of their cut will return to the Championship with West Bromwich Albion.
Following the club confirming Roofe’s exit, the 26-year-old posted an emotional farewell message to his Instagram account, where he thanked the Elland Road faithful for our support.
“Thank you Leeds United for an incredible three years,” he said. “The support I’ve got from the fans since day one has been unbelievable.
“I have absolutely no doubt that you will be back in the Premier League, where you have always belonged, very soon. It’s what you all deserve.
“Despite having some unfortunate injuries, I always gave my all for the shirt, and Leeds will always have a place in my heart. #MOT”
When the club later shared his message on the official United Twitter account, fans were quick to thank the forward for his efforts over the past three years, while some focused on where it leaves us now.
Here’s what these fans said in reply…
Nah this is not what we want lads.
— Aran Huseyin (@Aran_h1) August 6, 2019
Another sad day in the life of a Leeds fan ???????? Goodbye Kemar, Thankyou for wearing our shirt, going to miss you. All best wishes to you and your family for the future. ????????⚽???????? #MOT #LUFC xx pic.twitter.com/lgvdhHmxUi
— SUSAN SMITH 1 (@SmithLeedsUtd) August 6, 2019
Great player. Always ran his socks off for club.
— Keep the Faith (@Buybeckford) August 6, 2019
we’ll always have villa away and blackburn at home pic.twitter.com/loOMVt9Ca8
— alex (@indiealexx) August 6, 2019
i dont have a problem with Roofe and him going, my problem is with the 3 wise monkeys in charge of this club.
— Steve???????? (@Yorkie6013) August 6, 2019
Kemar who? You’re history pal. ???? Seriously though, thanks for the memories, all the best.
— Mighty White (@mightywhite_666) August 7, 2019
Unfortunately this means more than your career pic.twitter.com/3j9cmi0JEc
— Steven Grimson (@stevegrimson4) August 7, 2019
Thanks for everything Kemar I’m gutted your gone good luck pal and thanks so much for that moment at villa away
— Ryan (@ryaaaan1993) August 6, 2019
Thankyou Kemar – sorry but #LUFC doesn’t have an owner willing to pay you what you are worth. We’ve had owners like this for #15years now. It started with KenBates and it continues. Absolute disgrace. Zero chance of promotion when you sell your best players….. #LeedsUnited
— FOOTBALL (@For_Yorkshire) August 6, 2019
110 appearances 28 goals over 3 seasons. No where near enough, 7 million a great deal we move on. ????????
— hirstyleeds???????? (@Bielsasdisciple) August 7, 2019
Thanks Roofey
Now #AnnounceNketiahandKent— Bielsa Ball ???????? (@BallBielsa) August 6, 2019
Brought the sauce last season. Never forget these scenes for the rest of my time. ???? pic.twitter.com/9QXmDHlOp3
— El Loco (@_JordanMatthew) August 6, 2019