Leeds United are going to need to spend money this summer, as The Whites look to avoid relegation from the Premier League having gone up as Championship winners.
Paraag Marathe has finally confirmed that Daniel Farke will remain in the Leeds hotseat, amid reports that the German could be sacked even after obtaining promotion – the task he was brought to Leeds to do.
Farke’s record of six wins in 49 has seen one radio station question if he will be able to keep Leeds in the Premier League, with the theory the gap between the Premier League and the Championship widening.
But Farke will now remain and the former Norwich City manager can concentrate – with new sporting director Adam Underwood and managing director Robbie Evans – on building a squad capable of survival.
Paraag Marathe says if Leeds will still need to sell any players
More money will now come in at Elland Road, thanks to the Premier League’s television money. But, the Whites recorded a loss of £61m in 2023-24 and the chances are, another loss was recorded this season.
Marathe says Leeds will spend every possible penny, but in order to maximise a transfer budget and increase the amount Leeds can spend in the eyes of Profit & Sustainability Rules – they may have to sell.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Marathe was asked if he thought The 49ers may have to sell some players this summer in order to maximise the size of the transfer budget – and the amount able to be spent.
“Your speculation is probably right – it’s going to be a mix of inbounds along with outbounds. That’s probably accurate. We are looking at maximising what we can do, that involves the whole bag.”
The two players Leeds have identified to sell to help with PSR
Phil Hay thinks Illan Meslier will leave Leeds this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, while Graham Smyth reckons Patrick Bamford has played his last game. Josuha Guilavogui looks set to go.
As things stand, five of the current Leeds squad will leave come June 30. Three are out of contract at the end of 2024-25, while Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell are on loan from Tottenham and Bournemouth.
Guilavogui is one that is out of contract and looks set to go, but decisions could be made on Junior Firpo and Sam Byram. Leeds have identified Pascal Struijk and Willy Gnonto as sales, to boost Financial Fairplay.
Struijk was bought for a nominal fee from Ajax as a teenager and could command a fee in the region of £20m according to some reports, while Gnonto was only bought from Zurich for £3.8m back in 2022.
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