Leeds United set to avoid big financial hole amid ‘£50m’ contract development – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has suggested Leeds United will avoid “big” financial issues due to not having to pay close to £50million in bonuses and transfer add-ons if they are relegated.
The club published their accounts on Companies House on Sunday 10 April and it emerged they would have to fork out significant bonuses if they do maintain their Premier League status (Kieran Maguire’s personal Twitter account, 8 April).
Robinson believes it’s a smart move from the board to protect themselves in case the worst happens and Leeds do return to the Championship, leaving them on the hook for that money if they remain in the top flight.
“The wealth you get from staying in the Premier League dwarfs that figure. That’s a drop in the ocean compared to the lump sum, TV money, and package they will get for staying in the Premier League,” Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“£50million would be a drop in the ocean and that’s why it’s structured like that. Whereas if they’re in the Championship, they will have to pay out £50million out of the parachute payment and all of a sudden that’s a big hole and that becomes a problem.”
Despite the large sum, the board will be desperate to secure their Premier League status, with the riches of the Premier League far outweighing the figure approaching £50million.
Javi Gracia will be hoping his side can bounce back after their humiliation to Crystal Palace when Liverpool make the trip to Elland Road on Monday evening (17 April).
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.