The seemingly overnight inflation in the football world has somehow made multi-million dollar transfers a normality, with owners and clubs ready to splash inconceivable amounts of cash if the opportunity arrives. In the world of eSports, however, that idea hasn’t reached such a level of regularity. But perhaps that is changing.
Tom Leese, the number one ranked FIFA player, has completed his move from Hashtag United to EXCEL for a fee believed to be in the region of £50,000-£100,000. If the latter is correct, this will become the first ever six-figure transfer fee in eSports history.
Last month, Hashtag United were reported to have received two bids for Leese’s services. Now, the Isthmian League North Division club have accepted an offer from EXCEL, confirmed by the UK eSports team on Friday.
The signing marks the launch of Excel Esports’ first competitive FIFA team, joining their operations in League of Legends, Valorant and Fortnite. The announcement is also accompanied by the organisation signing FIFA ex-professional Nathan ‘Zelonius’ Horton as the team manager. Excel will also reveal a second player joining the squad soon, with pro Fortnite player Jaden “Wolfiez” Ashman rumoured to be on the cards to sign for the team.
Excel will also work closely with EA to offer fans an exclusive Excel out-of-game kit. The new kit will include a new Excel jersey, complete with the addition of new partner EE, following a recent expansion of Excel’s partnership with BT.
Leese, 22, is considered to be one of the best FIFA players in the world, highlighted by his holding of the number one ranked spot for the last two years. After bursting onto the scene at 17, Tom signed his first deal with professional team Futwiz after placing top six at the FIFA17 Ultimate Team Championship 2017.
The crowning jewel of his eSports achievements, however. will undeniably be winning the 2020 ePremier League with Watford.
“I am proud to be joining the Excel team as their first-ever professional FIFA signing,” said Leese, talking about the move. “When Excel first approached me, the idea of working together definitely caught my attention. The drive within the Excel team to constantly improve and the commitment to jumping straight into the competitive FIFA space really excites me.”
“I want to take my competitive performance and content up another gear and continue to build myself and the growing team whilst doing this, and I feel Excel is the perfect place for me to do this,” he continued. “I believe we both share a vision and drive to establish ourselves as a leading team in the scene and I’m looking forward to making that happen!”
CEO of EXCEL Esports, Wouter Sleijffers, added: “We are thrilled to announce to the Excel community our launch into the competitive FIFA space, as well as the signings of Tom and Zelonius. We have been following the competitive FIFA community for a while now and believe it’s an area where we can strive, especially within the UK and Europe.”
