If the Whites get promoted, they could have a very busy summer.
When Leeds United lost 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion in their final Championship game of 2023, they were fourth in the table, closer to dropping out of the play-offs than Ipswich Town in the automatic promotion positions.
Since then, Daniel Farke’s side has gone on an eight-match winning streak in 2024, most recently defeating league leaders Leicester City 3-1 at Elland Road last Friday. Suddenly, they’ve risen to second position, level with Ipswich but comfortably ahead on goal difference. Some fans may even dream of winning the title, with the Foxes presently only six points ahead.
Of course, all that matters is securing promotion, and Leeds are presently well-positioned to do so with 12 games remaining. The team will make preliminary planning for a return to the Premier League while also preparing for contingencies.
49ers offer Farke £100 million Leeds inducement.
According to Football Insider and reporter Pete O’Rourke, owners 49ers Enterprises might provide Farke with a budget of up to £100 million if Leeds are promoted in an intriguing new update. With earnings expected to rise, partly due to TV money, they’ll be able to fund a succession of huge transfers.
The German will have at least £75 million to spend, and he will have a better chance of retaining desired players like Crysencio Summerville in West Yorkshire if the club is promoted.
Leeds knows that money isn’t everything.
Leeds were actually very busy ahead of their final season in the Premier League, signing nine new players. Only Nottingham Forest (23), Fulham (11), and Southampton (10) had more signings that summer.
| Leeds United incomings – 22/23 season (summer) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Signed from | Fee (€) |
| Brenden Aaronson | Red Bull Salzburg | 33m |
| Luis Sinisterra | Feyenoord | 25m |
| Tyler Adams | RB Leipzig | 17m |
| Rasmus Kristensen | Red Bull Salzburg | 13m |
| Marc Roca | Bayern Munich | 12m |
| Darko Gyabi | Manchester City | 5.8m |
| Wilfried Gnonto | FC Zurich | 4.5m |
| Joel Robles | Real Betis | Free |
| Sonny Perkins | West Ham United | Free |
Leeds spent approximately £94 million, so some may argue that the projected budget is nothing new, but the crucial difference is that they produced £97 million in sales that year as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips moved on. That means they made a profit overall, but this time it appears Farke will receive £100 million in addition to any money gained by departures.
Money is not a guarantee of success, as Leeds discovered in 22/23. Brenden Aaronson (now on loan at Union Berlin) only had one goal and three assists in 40 games, Rasmus Kristensen (on loan at Roma) struggled to establish himself in the club, and Tyler Adams’ season was cut short by injury in mid-March before moving to Bournemouth.
Luis Sinisterra had more success, scoring seven goals in 22 games, although he and Adams have already agreed to a permanent move to Bournemouth, and Marc Roca could follow if Real Betis exercise their option to buy. With Victor Orta gone and a new behind-the-scenes team in place, Leeds will want to make better use of their resources this season if they do return to the top flight.
