Gary Neville has told his Sky Sports podcast that the likes of Leeds United, Everton and Leicester City will really struggle financially if they are relegated from the Premier League to the Championship come the end of the season.
Leeds currently sit in 16th place with 29 points from 30 games after a dismal 5-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Many are characterising the defeat as a bit of a shock result – but still one that will damage confidence and morale.
The Whites have had the chance to reset after eight days and go up against Liverpool at Elland Road on Monday night. Results went in favour of Leeds on the weekend, with all four teams below the Whites suffering defeat.
It does look as if three of the bottom five will suffer relegation come the end of the season. Leeds sit at the top of that list of five clubs. Bournemouth have seemingly pulled themselves out of the reckoning after a win over Spurs.
Neville has told his podcast that he is concerned for the likes of Leeds, Leicester and Everton. Big clubs, who stand to lose a whole lot of cash if they do go down. Neville also says he expects Forest and Southampton to go down.
“I had Forest, Southampton, Bournemouth as my three a few weeks ago. I think to be fair now, Bournemouth will pull out of that unless something completely about turns,” Neville said on the Gary Neville podcast on Sunday evening.
“I think you’re stating to look at Everton, Leicester and Leeds with real worry. They’re big clubs and a couple of them won’t like going down from a financial perspective, it’ll be painful for them and hurt badly,” Neville continued.
Neville: Leeds and Everton will struggle financially if they are relegated
Leeds have spent big and the influx of cash has seen the club go from being in the Championship ballpark of funds and figures – to that of an established Premier League club. A one-club City that benefits from all fans in the area.
But, the club have spent big on transfers. Then, there is the payment in which the club will have to give to Jean-Kevin Augustin. Although, the club have appealed, it is like they will have to pay a big chunk of the £24.5m figure.
Everton and Leicester are likely to have larger wage bills having been in the Premier League longer, and spent larger fees on players. But, Leeds will certainly struggle if we do go down – and it may affect the price of a take over.
