Reliable journalist moots big-name Leeds United exit in summer as he drops £150m claim
The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton expects Leeds United to sell one of their star players in the summer in order for them to spend money on new arrivals.
Leeds have spent a lot since winning promotion, however, the Whites haven’t sold anyone of real value.
Players like Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha have been linked with moves away from Elland Road with West Ham reportedly making approaches for them in January [Guardian].
And Crafton can expect to see someone of that ilk move on in the summer in order to fund the signing of new players.
“If you actually look since Leeds have been promoted, I think it’s around £150million they’ve spent and they’ve not brought any money in in that period,” said Crafton on The Athletic Football Podcast [6m59s] on Monday.
“I think there has to be a degree of Leeds fans understanding you can’t keep continuing to spend beyond £150million if nothing is being brought in.
“I think whatever happens in the summer, I’d expect someone – one of the big-name players at Leeds – to go out because that’s how they have to work at some point.”
Massive summer
Whether it’s Bielsa, Phillips or Raphinha – we’d be amazed if they’re all at Elland Road by the time the summer transfer window closes later this year.
With Bielsa, we do get the feeling that his time as the Leeds United manager is running out.
Leeds are set to go backwards for the first time under the Argentine’s rule and we feel as though the Yorkshire club cannot progress any further with his restrictions.
We don’t want Bielsa to go, but it just kind of feels natural.
With Phillips and Raphinha, who knows?
Leeds’ failure to make signings in January is partly down to Bielsa but it could also be down to how much money has been spent in the last couple of years and how little has been brought in. We sold players for more money in two years in the Championship than we have done since being promoted.
There are other key players who are ageing too.
It could be a massive summer for Leeds.
In other Leeds United news, this Leeds midfielder has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury blow.