Journalist Ben Jacobs provided an update on Leeds United’s need for player sales this summer.
The Whites will be able to officially begin performing transfer business on Friday, and Elland Road may see a surge in incomings and outgoings.
Daniel Farke and his team have already made one major choice this week, with Brenden Aaronson likely to return to the squad for preseason after his loan spell at Union Berlin ended.
It was widely expected that he would be sold for a significant loss this summer, but after discussions with Farke about the potential impact on Leeds’ compliance with PSR, he will be welcomed back into the fold.
There will be many more significant decisions to be made, including those involving other returning loanees and some of last season’s key players.
Ben Jacobs explains what he has heard concerning Leeds’ need to sell this summer.
Jacobs gave an update on Leeds’ financial predicament during an interview on the Just Joe Football Show on Tuesday night, where he also discussed a number of other matters.
Among them was an update on Leeds’ interest in Alfie Gilchrist, as well as their alleged pursuit of Excelsior winger Couhaib Driouech, following reports from the Netherlands earlier this week.
While incomings will be critical to Leeds’ hopes of promotion, so will the ability to retain some of its important players.
According to reports, Leeds will need to raise £100 million in sales during the summer, but after speaking directly with Leeds’sources’, Jacobs has rejected that assertion, while also pointing to the departures of Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams, both of whom are in the current financial year.
He stated: “There is an acceptance in the Leeds hierarchy that there is some financial pressure to balance the books, but when you look at the current financial year, which has yet to be disclosed, you have a lift on the books from the Adams and Sinisterra departures.
“Some sources in Leeds say that rather than looking at £100 million in sales, which Summerville could be a third of, you should deduct the Adams and Sinisterra thing so they’re not in as much financial trouble as has been portrayed regarding those outgoings.”
“There is no doubt about Summerville’s interest, and Leeds will find it tough to keep him. But, as I previously stated in January, the player has never looked for a move to force his way out. Could have transferred in January, but I wanted to stay and assist Leeds get promoted.
“But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that if you don’t get promoted, your assets will be jeopardized. There is a chance for suitors. I believe the number at the Leeds end will be around £40 million, but suitors believe £35 million will enough.
Jacobs shares Archie Gray’s position on leaving Leeds.
Archie Gray is one of the big names at Leeds who has been linked with a move, and Jacobs provided an update on his future plans during the interview.
Gray is desired by some of Europe’s premier teams, including Bayern Munich, and is undoubtedly Leeds’ most valuable asset, thus selling him would definitely benefit PSR.
However, Gray is a lifelong Leeds fan and is the last guy fans want to see leave after only a year in the first squad. Fortunately, Gray appears to take the same position.
He stated: “The entire Gray family is extremely deliberate in their thinking and very content to stay, even if it means another season in the Championship. He has progressed through the U21s, and one breakout season does not mean you have to abandon ship.
“I’m not sure how many of the clubs linked to Gray can provide him with the game time he needs to flourish. Liverpool’s intimate relationship with the Gray family has earned the respect of the player, his family, and those around him, including head scout Barry Hunter.
“In the Gray family’s opinion, the best place for him is Leeds United and so it is going to take something pretty special, or urgent financially speaking from Leeds’ perspective, to change that.”
