Stefan Borson: Leeds are better prepared financially than West Ham for Premier League relegation
Leeds United are better prepared financially for relegation than West Ham as the two clubs fight to remain in the Premier League.
That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the Whites will have already contemplated a scenario where they are in the Championship next season.
Leeds secured promotion back to the Premier League last season after spending two campaigns outside of the top flight.
Daniel Farke’s side drew 0-0 with Brentford on Saturday (21 March), leaving them sitting 15th in the table and four points above third-bottom West Ham.
However, Leeds’ recent form will be a concern, having failed to win any of their past six Premier League games.
Why Leeds understand Premier League relegation dynamic
Leeds have relied heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored 10 goals in 30 appearances this season.
However, the 29-year-old has failed to register in his past six outings, with Farke’s side struggling to create opportunities for the striker.
| Opponent | Results |
| Aston Villa | 1-1 |
| Man City | 0-1 |
| Sunderland | 0-1 |
| Crystal Palace | 0-0 |
| Brentford | 0-0 |
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed what relegation would mean financially for Leeds this season.
“The benefit that Leeds have got is, as a club that goes up and down over the last few years, they're set up for relegation in a way,” said Borson.
“They understand that dynamic much better than say West Ham, who have had a long period of no relegation. Leeds’ contracts across the organisation will all envisage a scenario where either they're in the Premier League or they're in the Championship.
“Now, that won't always be the case with every team that gets relegated. It won't be the case with every contract in the Tottenham portfolio. A lot of those contracts will be designed for Premier League, for always being in the Premier League.”
Why Leeds can cope with Premier League relegation
Borson revealed the advantage Leeds have over some of their Premier League rivals if they are relegated this season.
“We know that the Spurs contracts on the wage side are good and do have some reductions for those players, so that's positive,” said Borson.
“But Leeds, the whole organisation will contemplate a scenario where maybe they're in the Championship, and that just makes it much easier if you do get relegated.
“That's why we've seen lots of teams cope fine with relegation.”