Former Leeds United man reveals what will give best chance of Premier League return, delivers transfer warning
Former Leeds United defender Jon Newsome says the club’s first-year parachute payments will give them the best chance of returning to the Premier League this season but warned they must get more active in the transfer window.
The Whites suffered the disappointment of relegation last term after a three-year stay in the top flight but are among the favourites for promotion this season.
Clubs relegated from the Premier League receive lucrative parachute payments for three years to help deal with the costs of relegation and have been worth around £30million on average in recent seasons (Daily Echo, 30 May), something Newsome says can be a difference maker.
“Your best chance of reaching the Premier League is the first season after being relegated because you’re getting the parachute payment and can keep at least some of your best talent,” Newsome said in quotes reported by the Daily Mirror (2 August, page 49).
Leeds have already seen several first-team players depart in the close season, with five players alone taking advantage of clauses in their contracts to depart Elland Road on loan.
With only Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow arriving at the club, Newsome wants to see more bodies in the door.
“So far, though, a lot of players have jumped ship with only Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow having arrived. New signings are needed urgently in every position,” he added.
Make the most of the cash
It goes without saying that relegation hurt Leeds badly, and Newsome alludes in his quotes to the fact that the club’s recruitment policy – both in terms of players and managers – was not good enough last season.
They have gone about addressing the latter issue with a pretty shrewd appointment in Daniel Farke, a man who has proved in the past he knows how to get out of this league with Norwich City.
But they also need to inject some fresh faces into the squad now too. Ampadu is a very decent piece of business and offers versatility, a crucial aspect when you play so many games in the Championship. Darlow too offers competition for Illan Meslier and is ready-made to take over as first choice if the Frenchman departs.
Newsome is spot on, though, Leeds have the cash to spend from the parachute payments and they must do so wisely because they have a great chance, especially since the 49ers Enterprises takeover was completed, to earn an immediate return to the top flight.
In other Leeds United news, Sky News broke Willy Gnonto exit news later on Tuesday.