Leeds United are going to have to make some difficult decisions on several players’ future this summer.
Following the defeat to Southampton in the play-off final almost two weeks ago, preparations at Leeds will already be well underway for another season of Premier League football.
Due to the reduction in parachute payments in the second year after relegation, part of that planning will unfortunately include players they may have to sell.
49ers Enterprises have already acknowledged some key members of the squad will have to depart, though Paraag Marathe has insisted those funds will be reinvested.
In the wake of Leeds’ loss at Wembley, Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter were just some of the players touted for the exit door.
Transfer insider shares Leeds stance on Georginio Rutter
Despite the need for players to go, Leeds will not want to lose too many of their key men. Unfortunately, Summerville looks the most likely for the exit door.
Leeds are said to be wanting around £30 million for the sale of the 22-year-old, which would represent significant profit on the £1.3 million they paid for him. He is not short of interest.
However, it could be a different story when it comes to the future of attacking teammate Rutter, who Leeds paid a club record fee for back in January 2023.
Rutter has hinted he will be back at Leeds again next season but transfer insider Graeme Bailey has shared an exclusive update on his future to LeedsUnited.News this week.
Bailey says while Rutter is not one they are ‘actively looking’ to shift, they could be open to offers if they are high enough.
He said: “He is an interesting character. He looked decent but Leeds know they aren’t going to get their money back on him anytime soon so I don’t think they are desperate to get rid of him.
“But, if a decent offer came in they would consider it. It is one of those, I think he’s less likely than Summerville. He has less suitors than Summerville, he’s on bigger wages and it just less tempting in every way really.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think some clubs in Germany like him, but it depends what sort of offers come in. I think they would consider it, but unlike Bamford, Harrison, I don’t think they are actively looking, or have slapped a for sale sign on him.”
Leeds have no reason to sell Rutter unless for profit
Unlike Summerville, Gnonto and Gray, Leeds have very little margin when it comes to making a profit on Rutter.
As mentioned, Summerville was bought for £1.3m, Gnonto between £3.8m-£5m, and Gray came through the academy. All those players are likely to command big eight figure fees, and therefore significant profit towards PSR.
Rutter, however, cost the best part of £35.5 million and so if they are looking to make sales to help comply with PSR, he isn’t one who will do so.
With that in mind, he is certainly someone they should look to build their side around next season, particularly after a full summer off to recover from his hernia surgery.
He also seems very happy at Elland Road despite the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League, and hopefully that will aid their chances of keeping him.