Leeds United set for June 10 transfer deadline as Marc Roca sale mooted at Elland Road
Marc Roca’s future at Leeds United could be affected by the financial accounts at Elland Road this summer, Paul Robinson has said.
The Whites, alongside Championship and Premier League teams, must submit their accounts by 10 June, by which time the club will know which division they will be competing in for the 2024/25 campaign.
Roca has spent the entirety of this season on loan with Real Betis, having joined after Leeds’ relegation last season, and could be set for an Elland Road return this summer after being “ostracised” this season.
It is understood that the 27-year-old midfielder had agreed personal terms with the La Liga outfit before slipping down the pecking order under Manuel Pellegrini.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I think that, preferably, a new club will be found for him. He was good at times in the Premier League but it was too quick for him like it was for others, such as Brendan Aaronson.
“There was a reason that Leeds were relegated last season. I think the togetherness and quality of the squad now are better than the one that got relegated.
“When you look at the players currently out on loan, I know Jack Harrison didn’t leave in a great way with the Leeds fans, but I look at the likes of Roca and Aaronson, Harrison is the only one you’d integrate back into the squad.
“Not a lot of the others would come back into that starting XI, stake a claim for a place or have an impact in the squad. I think Roca is one who will be moved on. It’s not been a great season for him on loan. If they don’t take the option to sign him permanently…
“We’ve seen Leeds’ accounts. It’s going to be key to what league they’re in as they’ll have to cut their cloth accordingly. There’s another date on the 10 June when accounts have to be submitted, for the Premier League clubs too, so it’s going to be like a second transfer deadline day.
“With the likes of Conor Gallagher, Chelsea are going to be low-balled with offers. I think Leeds will be exactly the same, depending on what league they’re in next season. They stand to lose a lot of players and will need to cut a few adrift if they are still in the Championship.
“The Premier League is different. Financially, it brings a windfall that they could right a few wrongs. But those like Roca clearly left because of financial reasons or not wanting to play in the Championship, and the manager has proven he doesn’t need them this season. If Farke is there next season, he’ll be allowed to shape and mould his squad.”
Will Marc Roca return to Leeds United this summer?
Considering the strength of options in Farke’s squad, it seems highly unlikely that Roca will remain a Leeds player next season, whether he signs a permanent deal with Real Betis or not.
The manager has even been able to afford to move Ethan Ampadu into defence, with Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev impressing in the middle of the park, while Archie Gray is another option.
After jumping from the sinking ship last summer, few fans will want to see Roca return to Elland Road and will be happier seeing a potential monetary return for the midfielder instead.
In other Leeds news, Neil Warnock has also given a play-off final prediction ahead of the match against Southampton.
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