Leeds United will hope to make a better fist of the Premier League than the final couple of seasons in the top flight, which ended in relegation in 2023.
A number of factors conspired to see Leeds United relegated two years ago, but Daniel Farke and co. will be eyeing a smarter and more refined approach to recruitment this time around.
Leeds have collected a ‘jaw-dropping’ windfall from promotion already, but the question over how much 49ers can spend remains without exact clarity as we approach the summer transfer window opening.
Leeds have plenty of quality already but it will not be enough to hit the ground running instantly in the top flight, meaning additions are paramount. Leeds sales also cannot be ruled out for PSR reasons, either.
Leeds United financial detail revealed for the Premier League
Having sold Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips last time out, Leeds’ previous regime spent that money on a number of signings who couldn’t make the grade in the Premier League. This time, the 49ers will want to retain as much quality as possible but also add to it.
However, finances could dictate matters and Paraag Marathe can see players sold this summer. It’s not news they want to hear although our football finance expert Adam Williams revealed exclusively recently that Leeds will be ‘one of the busiest’ teams in the country this summer.
They will have to do that within the financial constrictions of the Premier League. ‘Doing a Leeds’ has its own Wikipedia entry, with Leeds’ becoming one of the reasons for financial restrictions tightening. The below highlights why.
Bigliest loss making clubs in Premier League history. One club stands head and shoulders above all others https://t.co/DVpVxjZlrD Visualised with @f_l_o_u_r_i_s_h
As Kieran Maguire highlights, Leeds have the 15th biggest losses in Premier League history, and more than bitter rivals Manchester United, with £109.1 million lost already in their 16 seasons of Premier League football.
We spoke to fellow expert Adam Williams for his thoughts on this, he added: “It will get worse again. Leeds will also post a loss next season, too. They have not posted a profit since 2017 (only £1 million), and they have lost £274 million in total since 2010.”
Williams expects a huge Leeds squad overhaul from the 49ers, but it will no doubt come at a huge cost financially, which would be compounded if they do not survive relegation in their first season.
The players Leeds might sell to be PSR compliant
Leeds have a handful of homegrown assets who could be sold for significant financial gains, as well as other players signed for nominal fees who are worth a lot more now they have grown and developed.
One of those is Willy Gnonto, but the Italian should be a player Leeds look to build around due to his previous showings at such a tender age in the Premier League.
On top of that is Pascal Struijk, but Leeds do not have a plethora of specialist centre-backs who can remain consistently fit and healthy as it is. His quality would be missed from a Premier League squad.
Then there is Mateo Joseph, but he could be worth so much more in a few years through further development or a loan. The 21-year-old needs more refining but has bags of potential.
Leeds lost Archie Gray prematurely last year, but they are surely minded to keep hold of their best young talent if they can. Another player they could also eventually bank on is his brother, Harry.
None of this is what fans want to think about, but it’s an unfortunate by-product of the financial side of a game we all know and love.
