(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

'Championship-bound forever' – Leeds fans react to Kieran Maguire's message

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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Leeds United fans are fearful for the future after their official accounts for last season's Championship campaign were released.

Daniel Farke's side have completely fallen out of form in recent weeks, seeing their five-point lead at the top of the Championship reeled in and since overtaken following just one win in their last five matches.

Leeds' latest debacle came against Swansea City as two Illan Meslier errors saw them surrender the lead twice in a 2-2 draw, resulting in United dropping to second and level on points with third-placed Burnley.

Meslier's position in Farke's starting XI is therefore under immense scrutiny, as fans fear the risk of missing out on promotion to the Premier League if the error-strewn Frenchman stays between the sticks.

Calls for Farke to be dismissed – either immediately or at the end of the season regardess of its outcome – have surfaced in the wake of Leeds' collapse in form, with automatic promotion the be-all and end-all.

Illan Meslier Leeds United
Farke's faith in Meslier could end up costing Leeds United a Premier League place (Credit: Imago)

Leeds United accounts shared after promotion failure

Leeds' first campaign back in the second tier last term was one of transition – with new ownership, a new manager and new-look squad – and despite reaching the play-off final, the ultimate outcome was failure.

On 1 April, Kieran Maguire posted on X to share the results of United's accounts for the 2023/24 season, running from July 2023 to 30 June 2024, showing a significant level of losses across the board.

Football Insider revealed that Leeds did manage to cut their wage bill by £62million over that 12-month period, having seen their losses increase from £33.7m to £60.8m due to the sheer drop in TV revenue.

Leeds could see their matchday income help recover a 33 per cent reduction in revenue having hiked up ticket prices significantly at Elland Road, but the division they're playing in will shape their future more than anything else.

Leeds United 23/24 accounts published: 🔑figuresRevenue £128m ⬇️33%Wages £84m ⬇️42%Amortisation £60m ⬇️27%Underlying loss £70m ⬇️10%Player sale profits £34m ⬇️54%Loss before tax £61m ⬆️80%Player purchases £38mPlayer sales/departures £69m Transfer fees paid for total… pic.twitter.com/6qFxQwuZLf — Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) April 1, 2025

Leeds fans fear the worst after financial update – 'We're in trouble'

Football Insider revealed on 31 March that Leeds are well-placed to complete a deal for Rangers star Nicolas Raskin if promoted, but that's far from the thoughts of the Elland Road faithful at the moment.

Even with both Leeds and Rangers set to be owned by 49ers Enterprises come the summer, fans aren't confident in the US group's capabilities, with some fearing a full Red Bull takeover if promotion isn't won.

Despite the 42 per cent reduction in wages, Leeds fans fear the ramifications of a squad being paid £84m collectively remaining in the Championship, with parachute payments reducing further next term.

Promotion has become even more paramount in the eyes of a worried Leeds fanbase with just seven games left to play this term, as even one season in the top-flight could turn losses into profits.

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