Leeds United could be forced to sell players as £73m Elland Road deadline looms
Leeds United could be forced to sell players this summer if they don’t secure promotion to the Premier League, according to Adam Pope.
Writing on the BBC Sport website on Thursday (11 April), the BBC Radio Leeds journalist said the Whites performed strongly in some metrics in 2022/23 as their accounts showed the club brought in a record profit of £189.7million.
But with £190million owed in transfer fees and £73million of that total due to be paid by the end of June, he added that a failure to make an instant return to the top flight this season would inevitably result in players being sold at Elland Road.
“Off the pitch, United performed strongly by some metrics bringing in a record £189.7million,” said Pope. “But the old adage is that turnover is vanity and profit is sanity. Player sales are the short-term panacea when the business is nowhere near able to wipe its own face.
“With £190m owed in transfer fees, of which £73m is due by the end of June alone, not returning to the Premier League will inevitably mean selling more of the family silver.”
Leeds United must secure promotion this season
It’s imperative that Leeds secure promotion back to the Premier League this season because it could be a lot harder after this year.
That’s because it would be extremely difficult to keep their current crop of stars together, with several of them likely wanting to try their hand again in the top flight sooner rather than later.
After getting themselves into such a good position with their form in this calendar year, it would be a huge disappointment if they don’t manage to get the job done in the next few weeks.
The Whites have suddenly gone from being under little pressure given that Leicester City and Ipswich Town appeared to be running away with promotion to now being expected to win games.
But Daniel Farke has the necessary experience to guide his players through what is no doubt going to be a challenging period as they look to secure a return to the top flight.
In other Leeds United news, Troy Deeney has shared a Whites promotion prediction.
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