If Leeds United do not regain promotion to the Premier League this season, they will face a number of financial challenges.
On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke stated that the Whites face “worrying times ahead” if they have to play a second season in the second division.
Daniel Farke’s side had “banked” on returning to the top division at the first attempt, but a 4-0 defeat to QPR last week (April 26) has put that at risk.
The Whites supposedly owe £190 million for Andrea Radrizzani-era moves, and last month’s financial accounts indicated a £33.7 million loss due to player sales.
Leeds would face ‘massive’ financial difficulties if their promotion ambition fails.
O’Rourke warned that Leeds will be “massively out of pocket” if clubs seek to collect these debts in the coming months unless they win promotion.
Their parachute payments will also be drastically reduced in their second year in the Championship, giving them less flexibility to fund fresh transfers and repay any existing debts.
The club will also be compelled to sanction important player sales this summer if promotion is not achieved, with Football Insider reporting (29 April) that five players, including Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, might leave.
A return to the Premier League remains a distinct possibility, but they will most likely have to do so through the unpredictable play-offs, which have historically proven difficult for the Yorkshire club.
If second-place Ipswich Town avoid loss at Huddersfield Town on Saturday (4 May), they will qualify automatically alongside champions Leicester City.
Leeds are third in the Championship before of their match against Southampton on Saturday (4 May).
They are expected to return to action in the play-off semi-finals next Sunday (12 May).
