Leeds United forced to sell stars as ‘massive’ financial issue emerges – sources
Leeds United will face multiple financial struggles if they fail to earn promotion back to the Premier League this season.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke noted that the Whites have “worrying times ahead” if they have to face a second season in the second tier.
Daniel Farke’s side had “banked” on returning to the top flight at the first time of asking, but their 4-0 defeat to QPR last week (26 April) has put this under major threat.
The Whites reportedly owe £190million for Andrea Radrizzani-era transfers and their financial accounts released last month revealed a £33.7million loss after player sales.
Leeds set for ‘massive’ financial strife if promotion bid fails
O’Rourke claimed that Leeds will be “massively out of pocket” if clubs seek these debts in the coming months unless they earn promotion.
Their parachute payments will also significantly decrease in their second year in the Championship which gives them less flexibility to fund new transfers and pay off any outstanding debts.
The club will also be forced to sanction key player sales this summer if promotion evades them, with Football Insider revealing (29 April) that five stars, including Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, could leave this summer.
A return to the Premier League is still a strong possibility, but they will most likely have to do this through the often unpredictable play-offs, which have historically proved difficult for the Yorkshire giants.
If second-place Ipswich Town avoid defeat against Huddersfield Town on Saturday (4 May), they will secure automatic qualification alongside champions Leicester City.
Leeds sit third in the Championship ahead of their clash against Southampton on Saturday (4 May).
They look most likely to return to action in the play-off semi-finals next Sunday (12 May).
In other news, Leeds United’s option to complete deal for on-loan star revealed – sources.
For more Leeds United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.