Do Leeds have the means to mount a serious promotion push next season, assuming we don’t go up. Nine of the eleven deserters (Koch and Rodrigo out of contract) are unlikely to return to Elland Road, and although deals to make the moves permanent are not beyond the realms of possibility, the loan clauses don’t favour Leeds as far as negotiations go.
Next season, Leeds will receive £36m in parachute payments, (the same as their current wage bill according to several sources). They will need to get rid of their dead wood, and replace any players who jump ship! They also must settle their account with Jean-Kevin Augustin, which could be anything up to £25m, and although payments are likely to be staggered, we need to remember, we owe £190m in outstanding transfer fees.
Leeds must find circa £73m by end of June
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds owe in the region of £190m in outstanding transfer payments to other clubs, and circa £73m of that will need to be paid by the end of June. It paints a rather gloomy picture of their finances, especially as they are only owed £2m in incoming fees! If Leeds fail to get promoted, the players that deserted the sinking ship last Summer, are free to spend another season on loan, which with contracts finding down could seriously effect their market value.
Worse still, Leeds don’t even earn a loan fee from the majority of these players. It paints a rather solemn picture, and begs the question of how the 49ers, who were major shareholders in the club let Messrs Radrizzani and Orta insert ridiculous relegation stipulations into their contracts!
End of the road for Joffy
When Joe Gelhardt joined the Whites back in the Summer of 2020, few would have expected that four season’s on, he’d be struggling to make the subs bench in the Championship. I can’t help thinking that his lack of progression can be attributed to lack of game time, and mismanagement! At his age, he needs to be playing every week, and if not, he needs to go out on loan – so why hasn’t he?
The soon to be 22yo has amassed just 173 minutes of Championship game time this season, falling down to 29th in Leeds register, with a ‘Whoscored’ rating of just 6.09. West Brom are desperate for his signature this Summer, which could prove a very costly mistake for the Whites, similar to allowing Leif Davis to leave Elland Road for £1m almost two year ago.
