I don't see like that, why would you turn down all that money, most fringe youth players will be loaned out somewhere anyway, like the Championship.
You’re overly cynical here. Ofc money plays a significant factor, but it certainly isn’t the be all and end all. Career development is just as important for footballers, why would Allassani, for example, choose us over Championship or the Old Firm clubs? Judging by how early this transfer was, it probably wouldn’t have matter if we got promoted or not. Suggesting that he thought we probably offered a better opportunity to advance his career.
Athletes typically want to be the best they can be and test themselves at the highest possible standard. For Thomas, yes he got paid more money for Leicester to sit in their U23s, but the potential for 1st team football (at his hometown team) wouldve been a massive ‘pull’ too, factor in we got relegated, staying with us, in his mind, probably would’ve been a step down. In this example, I think he’s wasted a year of his development, but I can see why he’d want to move to Leicester.
Despite Bayliss’ talent and potential, I think if he does move, it’s too a team that will give him the best first team opportunities.