‘Leeds could match Nottingham Forest as 49ers ready signing spree’
Leeds United are likely to strengthen their squad significantly this summer after securing promotion back to the Premier League.
The Yorkshire giants have spent the past two seasons in the Championship, having been relegated from the top flight in 2023.
Daniel Farke’s side have recovered from play-off heartache last season to earn automatic promotion this time around.
Leeds are level on points with second-place Burnley, but they have a far superior goal difference as they look to seal the Championship title heading into their final game of the campaign.
The Whites will make the trip to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday (3 May), while Burnley are preparing to host Millwall at Turf Moor.
Leeds could be forced to pay out £28million in promotion bonuses and money owed to other clubs after securing their return to the top flight.
Leeds could face PSR issue after record-breaking update
Leeds posted a record-breaking Championship revenue last season despite seeing their turnover fall from £189.7million in 2022-23 to £127.6million.
The club’s losses increased from £33.7million to £60.8million in 2023-24 as they continue to toe the profit and sustainability (PSR) line.
That means Leeds could face a PSR issue following their return to the Premier League, with top-flight clubs only permitted to lose £105million over a rolling three-year period.
However, that is unlikely to prevent the Whites from strengthening as they look to put a squad together capable of remaining in the Premier League.
Football Insider revealed on 11 April Leeds believe they have just six players who are Premier League-ready as they draw up their plans for the summer transfer window.
It’s become increasingly difficult for promoted clubs to consolidate their place in the top flight in recent years, with Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton all set for an immediate return to the Championship this season.
| Position | Club | GP | Pts | GD |
| 1 | Leeds United | 45 | 97 | 64 |
| 2 | Burnley | 45 | 97 | 51 |
Leeds could match Nottingham Forest after transfer risk
Nottingham Forest were hit with a four-point deduction last season after breaching the PSR rules in 2022-23 – their first campaign back in the Premier League after 23 years.
They signed 22 new players in the summer of 2022 after questions were asked about the quality of their side.
Although Leeds perhaps have more first-team players capable of playing in the top flight than Forest did, owners 49ers Enterprises will likely bankroll a summer signing spree to improve the club’s survival hopes.
While Forest’s method did see them suffer a points deduction in their second season back in the Premier League, they are now reaping the benefits of their calculated risk.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are on course to qualify for European football this season as they currently sit sixth in the Premier League table.
Elland Road chiefs will know they have to be bolder than last season’s promoted sides, so perhaps Forest’s strategy could be under consideration this summer.
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