Graeme Souness sends transfer warning to Leeds United in pursuit of new player
Graeme Souness has sent a warning to Leeds United as the club pursue signings in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke is expected to be active until the 30 August deadline with replacements needed for Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
Souness spoke on talkSPORT [19 August, 12:42pm], about the Whites’ situation and feels the club have a big issue when it comes to spending within their means as the clock ticks down in the transfer window.
He said: “It puts Leeds in a very difficult place. Now, wherever they go, whenever they try to buy someone, they’ll be buying under a premium.
“The selling team will know they’re bang under pressure. This should have been addressed weeks, if not months ago.”
Leeds United set to struggle to find adequate replacements
Leeds are in a difficult position with only 10 days left of the summer transfer window and no imminent signings in sight.
The Whites have recouped not far off £100million from the sales of Archie Gray, Summerville and Rutter. However, how much of the money can be reinvested into the side is unknown.
That won’t stop clubs licking their lips when Leeds comes knocking for one of their players.
If any second-tier side can pull off such a spending spree it is Leeds, who came so close to promotion last season as they lost the Championship play-off final 1-0 to Southampton, and still have a squad brimming with players considered too good for the league.
The Whites are so far reluctant to spend big to replace their outgoing stars. They are considering whether to meet the £15m price tag for Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe [Sky Sports], who has been banished from the squad until his future is resolved.
Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo has emerged as a target for a modest £2m fee [Football Scotland], whereas FC Koln midfielder Dejan Ljubicic is eager for a move to Elland Road [BILD] for a deal that could cost £6.8m.
On paper, the figures are underwhelming considering the amount that Leeds have generated through sales, but the club could replace their outgoing talent and still make a profit of £66.2m if the numbers are to be believed.
The business would be a smart move for Leeds to stay profitable as Premier League promotion is never guaranteed. If successful in their aspirations this season, they can reinvest their money next season to ensure they remain in the top-flight.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have made a major saving on club-record Georginio Rutter fee after Brighton exit.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.