Harrogate Town are reportedly making an ambitious move to sign League One defender Tom Lees.
The 34-year-old is set to leave League One side Huddersfield Town after spending four years at the club, with his contract expiring this summer.
Simon Weaver’s Harrogate are now plotting a move for Lees, who would come in as a free transfer for the Sulphurites.
This is according to Alan Nixon, who also reported that the Sulphurites have lit up a record package together for the defender.
How did Lees fare last season?
Lees played a crucial role for the Terriers in the first half of the season, but a knee injury in February ruled the defender out for the final 15 matches of the 2024/2025 campaign.
The 34-year-old was a consistent starter before his injury, making 28 appearances in the league, captaining the side on several occasions and picking up an assist against Bolton Wanderers.
Lees did not make as much of an impact in cup competitions as in the league, playing once in the FA Cup and twice in the EFL Trophy, scoring once.
Overall, Lees was a key figure for the Terriers before his knee injury, making 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and assisting once.
Harrogate make ambitious move for Lees.
According to Alan Nixon, Harrogate Town are making an ambitious move to sign Tom Lees on a free transfer.
Lees is leaving Huddersfield after four years and 155 games at the Terriers, with his contract expiring at the end of June.
Alan Nixon also reported the Sulphurites have put a record package together for Lees in their attempt to sign the 34-year-old.
Would Lees be a good signing for Harrogate?
Harrogate finished the League Two campaign in 18th place, picking up 53 points from 46 matches.
While Simon Weaver’s side was safe from being dragged into a relegation scrap, finishing 11 points above the bottom two, he may look to strengthen his side this summer and climb the table.
One player who could strengthen the Sulphurite’s defence and help them climb the table is Tom Lees.
Harrogate lost two centre-backs this summer, Jasper Moon and Eko Solomon, leaving them with only three natural first-team centre-backs: Anthony O’Conner, captain Warren Burrell, and new signing Lewis Cass.
Signing Lees would help add depth to this Harrogate side, giving them more of a chance to rotate their squad or switch the team around tactically.
As well as being able to help add depth to the defence, Lees would come in with over 500 appearances in the EFL across several sides; this experience would be a quality asset to have in the dressing room, and he could be another leader to help push the team on.
League Two can be a physical league, and bringing in a player like Lees, who is strong in the air, could help Harrogate defensively and be a potential threat from set pieces offensively. Last season, the 34-year-old won 4.6 aerial duels per90 and 5.9 total duels per90.
While it may be considered a risk due to his age and recent injury, bringing in a player like Lees, who has years of experience in EFL football, could be a smart signing from Weaver’s side.
It will be interesting to see if Harrogate can sign Tom Lees and if the defender can help Weaver’s side climb the table.