Leeds United have made ‘incredible’ £19m payout – ‘that’s not sustainable’
Leeds United have secured their return to the Premier League but the achievement has not come without significant cost.
The FA released details of agent fees paid out by clubs between February 2024 and 2025 earlier this month, revealing Leeds spent almost £19million in fees to intermediaries.
Daniel Farke‘s side have raked in big money through the sales of stars like Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter – and have also spent handsomely to replace them.
Leeds are well placed to win the Championship title ahead of Burnley with two games left this term.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the Whites’ spending on agent fees is “not sustainable” despite their promotion.
Leeds told to rein in agent fees spending
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted the spend – which represents 30% of the total in the entire EFL – is “incredible”.
Leeds are expected to spend big yet again this summer as they look to consolidate in the Premier League next term.
Wyness suggested some of the £19million figure is likely to come from historic deals.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 1 | Leeds United (P) | 44 | 94 | 60 |
| 2 | Burnley (P) | 44 | 94 | 46 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 44 | 86 | 25 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “This does stick out to me.
“This £18million is almost 30% of agent fees across the entire EFL, which is incredible.
“A lot of this will be including past payments for previous deals, so it’s not all from one season.
“They’ve also brought some quality in, let’s not forget. They’ve just got automatic promotion.
“They’d have been happy to pay those fees if it guaranteed promotion, so it’s paid off.
“It’s a small number in terms of the picture in the Premier League, as we look at Chelsea with £60million in agent fees.
“Overall, it’s a big number. Leeds have got to look at ways to rein that in slightly.
“They’ll have to box clever, because that’s not sustainable.”
Leeds appoint new transfer guru
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (23 April) that Leeds head of football operations Adam Underwood will take charge of the club’s transfers this summer.
The 43-year-old is poised to widen his role at Elland Road as a defacto sporting director with Nick Hammond expected to leave the club to join Everton.
Leeds secured promotion after beating Stoke City 6-0 on Monday (21 April) and Sheffield United dropped points away at Burnley.
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.