Kieran Maguire: Leeds United fans ‘so upset’ amid £30m news on Raphinha and two teammates
Leeds United fans will be “so upset” that some of their top players could go for less than their market value if they are relegated – but release clauses are a necessary evil.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the futures of the likes of Patrick Bamford, 28, Kalvin Phillips, 26, and Raphinha, 25.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this month (5 May) that all three players have release clauses of around £30million in the event of relegation.
It is understood that multiple Premier League clubs are ready to pounce to seal what they would consider a bargain deal for any of the three Elland Road stars.
And Football Insider revealed on Monday (16 May) that Newcastle United and Aston Villa lead the race to sign Phillips, who has stalled over a new contract.
Leeds moved out of the bottom three after they earned a last-gasp draw against Brighton last Sunday (15 May).
Maguire explained how inserting the relegation clauses into the players’ contracts would initially have saved Leeds money.
“You can understand the frustration from the perspective of the club,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“However, if it allowed them to negotiate slightly lower wages at the time, that is worth the risk. That is the trade-off.
“I suspect when Leeds signed these contracts, they thought relegation was a remote possibility. But now it’s looking more likely, you can see why they are so upset about it.“
Bamford signed a new deal last summer and is under contract until 2026, while Raphinha and Phillips are committed until 2024.
Leeds face Brentford on the final day of the season on Sunday (22 May).
In other news, Raphinha slammed by Danny Mills after what he “keeps hearing” from Leeds United