Richard Keys issues worried Leeds United finances verdict after transfer developments
Leeds United have sold too many players during the transfer window and will not be as strong as last season, says Richard Keys.
The beIN Sports host responded to a fan via X on 20 August to share his concerns for the Whites after seeing Georginio Rutter’s become the latest high-profile star to leave Elland Road, completing a move to Brighton the night before.
Keys suggested that the pressure is on this term because of the financial implications of missing out on promotion again.
He wrote: “I think they’ve sold too many. They won’t have a season like the last one – and that’s worrying because the parachute payments end after this one?”
The Whites would actually be in line for another year of payments if they fail to return to the Premier League this term, albeit the amount would be further reduced.
Georginio Rutter has completed Leeds United exit to Brighton
As things stand the Whites have indeed sold too many if they aren’t going to ensure they replace them before the deadline.
Daniel Farke wants four key signings through the door by the time the window shuts [The Athletic, 16 August] in order to challenge for promotion once more.
The best opportunity to get promoted has already gone immediately after relegation, as Ipswich’s historic season prevented Leeds United from joining Southampton and Leicester from doing that.
Despite the exodus of players last summer the Whites were still in receipt of around £45million as the 55% first payment [The Athletic] to help them maintain a wage bill that carried the likes of Rutter from the Premier League.
They have lost the Frenchman, Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara for reportedly over £100m this summer as the payment has dropped to 45%, and next summer it would only be 20%.
So the task will only get harder if Farke’s squad isn’t adequately reinforced and miss out again this season, demonstrating why EFL chief Rick Parry believes parachute payments are a “major concern” [BBC Sport].
With Marseille now said to be in advanced talks with Norwich over Jonathan Rowe [TEAMtalk, 20 August] the 49ers are going to have to move fast for their back-up target in Million Manhoef at Stoke [TEAMtalk, 14 August].
But far more than that is going to be needed in less than a fortnight just get back to a similar level of quality as last season.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have saved more than £15million after the latest transfer twist.
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