By George Overhill

27th Mar, 2022 | 6:40pm

Leeds United face double-edged sword ahead of 'extraordinary' £1bn Premier League spending spree

Leeds United face being both the victims and the beneficiaries of what The Times have called a summer spending spree “like no other” in the Premier League.

A new overseas rights broadcast deal is set to come into effect from next season, which combined with factors such as changes to the loan rules and Brexit sees the 2022-23 spend projected to hit the £1billion mark.

The Times reports says: “Conditions set to influence the window include the Premier League’s extraordinary new broadcast deal, in which a boom in overseas rights means clubs are guaranteed to share £10.4 billion.

“It kicks in this summer, and from 2022-23, the prize money ranges from £176 million for the champions to £106 million for the club finishing bottom.

“Historically, the outlay on players has moved in line with television income and if the Premier League follows its pattern of the past nine years, of between 13 and 18 per cent of clubs’ total revenue going back out in player deals, the net transfer spend in 2022-23 could break £1 billion for the first time.”

Mayhem

English clubs were already inflating the transfer market with their funding and with that set to increase there could some wild numbers being flashed about.

With top flight rivals already circling Elland Road with eyes on the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha that could spell trouble for Victor Orta and company.

Aston Villa have been spending big and are known to want the Yorkshire Pirlo in the summer, with The Times separately reporting they are ready to pay an “enormous salary” to do so.

West Ham made club-record attempts to sign both in January, and if Barcelona continue to not be able to afford the Brazilian, the Hammers certainly will be able to.

The club simply must stay in the Premier League to avoid being picked apart.

If they maintain their status they stand to benefit from the massive financial pie themselves, particularly against foreign clubs.

Orta is expected to go back to Red Bull Salzburg in search of Brenden Aaronson (Fabrizio Romano), and should have plenty of funding to do so.

Jesse Marsch has dragged two wins on the spin out of this team, and made them much safer.

If they want to be able to match rivals’ spending to give Phillips a new contract (Times), and stand any chance of keeping Raphinha, they need that cash.

In other Leeds United news, Barcelona are being kept at arm’s length by the asking price for the United star.