Leeds United’s summer window was dominated by large sales made as a result of release clauses being activated, but it has put the club in a stronger position on PSR.
Since taking over from Andrea Radrizzani in the summer of 2023, the 49ers have been obliged to perform a difficult balancing act, knowing that their finances were not in good shape following relegation.
However, even after a year in the Championship with a reduced wage bill and lower outlay, the club, like all others, is still plagued by PSR.
How much did Leeds earn from player sales?
Archie Gray’s departure was just the tip of the iceberg; he left the club for Tottenham for £40 million around the beginning of July, followed by a number of other small and important departures.
Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, Charlie Cresswell, and Glen Kamara all left for continental teams, followed by Crysencio Summerville’s £25 million move to West Ham and Georginio Rutter’s £40 million transfer to Brighton.
Overall, Leeds recouped approximately £123.7 million from these trades, but the expedited sale of Luis Sinisterra to Bournemouth in February means Leeds has made £143.7 million from sales in 2024 alone.
Angus Kinnear presents Leeds United’s PSR update.
Angus Kinnear attended the August Supporters Advisory Board meeting, and the club has subsequently published the minutes.
In that, the club CEO shared that Leeds are currently compliant with PSR and have generated a significant money from player sales:
“AK says it is tight because of Premier League relegations, but the club will be compliant with PSR rules.”
Leeds should have made a significant dent in the remaining £190 million transfer payments.
When Leeds’ financial statements were released earlier this year, an ominous £190 million “transfer fees owed” column stood out.
However, with this money coming in from sales, you’d think the 49ers are getting close to writing off that significant cash flow concern.
It does not absolve the owners entirely, however, that we are compliant with PSR and not in a bind; knowing that the money is available to spend on acquisitions, and who we lost out on, makes it more evident in attacking midfield.
