FIFA 22: Tom Leese's WHOPPING transfer fee makes esports history

It is shaping up to be a big year for EA, and they have made a great start with FIFA 22 as early access has got underway.

The competitive gaming scene is continuing to grow too, and we have now seen the first-ever transfer fee paid for a professional FIFA star.

This is a huge moment for FIFA as an Esport, and it could be just the start!

Making history

Tom Leese is officially the first-ever FIFA player to command a transfer fee.

British gaming group Excel has signed Leese for a reported six-figure fee, making the announcement on their social media pages.

They weren't finished with Leese though, as they have also brought in a FIFA manager as they branch into the competitive FIFA world.

FIFA pro and coach Zelonius has also been added to the ranks as they seek to dominate the scene from the get-go.

On the move

Leese is a current eLion, former ePremier League champion, and is regarded as one of the best FIFA players in the world, so it is no surprise that Excel went straight for the biggest fish in the pond.

"I am proud to be joining the EXCEL team as their first-ever professional FIFA signing!" Leese said.

"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.”

Excel-lent

Excel is a British-based gaming group that is now branching into FIFA, with Leese their first FIFA pro on the payroll.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli is an ambassador for the Esports group, who also boasts pro-Fortnite star 'Wolfiez' on their roster.

The move for Leese is a bold one but signals their intent to not just compete in the FIFA scene, but win straight from the start.

CEO of Excel Esports, Wouter Sleijffers said “Bringing on some of the best talents that the competitive UK FIFA scene has to offer, alongside the incredible David Ellis to capture it all, we can't wait to see what Tom and Zelonius bring to the team and look forward to seeing them dominating the scene."