Leeds United and the 49ers managed to build Daniel Farke into a competitive championship team during the summer transfer window without breaking the bank
After the Whites were relegated to the Championship and taken over by 49ers Enterprises, financial expert Dr Dan Plumley ruled out the possibility that the Whites could spend big during the transfer window, due to a different financial environment. especially in the English second division.
Daniel Farke’s squad needed to be cut, with some players in major contracts having relegation clauses, whether on loan or permanent departure, but United used those terms to their advantage. them to build a squad capable of competing in the championship.
“It’s a really messy number because it’s not only related to how much you spend on transfer fees but also the entire salary package. Selling players helps because it’s not just fees and benefits. benefits but also wages.” This is the cost control factor you are looking at.
16 senior players have left Elland Road this summer on loan or on a permanent contract, leaving Farke with a flawed squad as he prepares for the start of the season, but no bankrupt, he built an excellent championship team.
Los Blancos signed nine players over the course of the transfer window, totaling just under £30m (Transfermarkt) and unlike previous summers at Elland Road, that money has been carefully invested in valuable additions.
Joel Piroe is Swansea City’s biggest arrival, providing Farke with a 20-goal-a-season striker that any team looking for promotion needs to have on hand. But instead of paying outright for an unproven name, Leeds United paid a fee believed to be just over £10m
Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu have been brought in to strengthen the midfield, all three have plenty of top-flight experience despite all still in the early to mid-stages of their careers, while Karl Darlow was signed for a small fee to join the team. rival Illan Meslier.
The white team also made excellent use of the loan market, having secured the services of Joe Rodon, Djed Spence and Jaidon Anthony, three players who have excelled in the Championship without paying more than loan fees and wages.
Add to that with the retention of brilliant young players like Wilfried Gnonto and Meslier and very quickly Leeds have built up one of the strongest teams in the English second division this season.
The 49ers are aiming to build on their legacy at Elland Road and that is reflected in their distinct approach to what has been used before. Leeds fans have been frustrated by the relegation clause placed in players’ contracts, which appears to have taken a toll on Los Blancos this summer.
But for the club’s financial future, it could be a blessing as they are able to make some quality additions this summer without having to go bankrupt to do so. Tyler Adams’ departure to Bournemouth has brought Leeds more than £20m. During the summer many expensive additions left Elland Road, but great value replacements were found for extremely reasonable fees.
