The Athletic’s Phil Hay has explained why a handful of Leeds United players have loan clauses in their contract in the event of relegation – and it is because it has been used as a makeweight against massive wage reductions.
Leeds have now waved goodbye to seven senior players on loan. Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Robin Koch and £11m Jack Harrison – the latter leaving to join Everton on loan.
More could occur. Tyler Adams has a £20m release clause in his deal, while Willy Gnonto does not have this loan clause in his contract. But Luis Sinisterra, Junior Firpo and other first-team stars at Leeds do. More are expected.
One more abroad, though. FIFA allow seven overseas loans for players over the age of 21 – and Leeds already have six. Victor Orta has been criticised for including these loan clauses – and rightly so. It has left us in an awful position.
Phil Hay explains why Leeds players have loan clauses in contract
But, Hay has explained why these clauses are in the contracts – and it makes sense, somewhat. The Leeds wage bill, which was a huge £10m a month last season, has been reduced dramatically, Hay claiming it has been halved.
Some players have seen their wages, following relegation, reduced by a huge 60%. That has allowed Leeds to be compliant with Financial Fairplay, and save money. But, to get players to agree, the loan clause has been included.
Swings and roundabouts. It is a quick, sure way of reducing what was a wage bill far too expensive for the second tier of English football. Now, it is at a manageable state. But, it means we have lost a chunk of players, for nothing.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
