Journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on Leeds United’s need to make player sales this summer.
The Whites will officially be able to start conducting their transfer business from this Friday onwards and it could well be a busy period of incomings and outgoings at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke and co have already made one huge decision this week with Brenden Aaronson set to return to the squad for pre-season following the end of his loan spell at Union Berlin.
It had widely been anticipated that he would be sold for a substantial loss this summer, but after talks with Farke, and the impact it could’ve had on Leeds’ compliance with PSR, he will be brought back into the fold.
And there are plenty more big decisions like that which will need to be made, including the other returning loanees, and some of last season’s key players.
Ben Jacobs shares what he’s heard about Leeds’ need to sell this summer
Jacobs provided an update on Leeds’ financial situation in an interview on the Just Joe Football Show on Tuesday night, where he also discussed a range of other topics.
Among them was an update on Leeds’ interest in Alfie Gilchrist, as well as their reported pursuit of Excelsior winger Couhaib Driouech after reports from Netherlands earlier this week.
While incomings are going to be vital to Leeds’ chances of getting promoted, so will their ability to at least keep some of their key players.
Reports have claimed Leeds will need to raise £100 million in sales over the course of the summer, but after speaking directly to Leeds ‘sources’, Jacobs has refuted that claim, while also pointing towards the exits of Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams, which are also in the current financial year.
He said: “There is an acceptance in the Leeds hierarchy that there is some pressure financially to balance the books, but then again when you look at the current financial year yet to be declared, you have a boost on the books from the Adams and Sinisterra departures.
“Some sources within Leeds say rather than looking at £100 million in sales, which maybe Summerville can be a third of that, you should be deducting the Adams and Sinisterra thing so they’re not in as much financial hot water as has been painted regarding those outgoings.
“There is no doubt there is interest in Summerville and it will be very difficult for Leeds to keep him. But what I have said before, like in January, the player has never been looking for the move in terms of forcing his way out. Could’ve moved in January but wanted to stay and try help Leeds get promoted.
“But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise if you don’t get promoted, your assets will be under threat. There is that opportunity for suitors. I think the number at the Leeds end will be painted at around £40m, but suitors feel £35m might be good enough.”
Jacobs shares Archie Gray’s stance on leaving Leeds
Archie Gray is among the big names at Leeds to have been linked with a potential exit and Jacobs also shared an update on his future in the interview.
Gray is wanted by some of Europe’s elite clubs including Bayern Munich and is arguably Leeds’ most high value asset, and if he was sold, it would clearly help hugely with PSR.
However, Gray is a boyhood Leeds fan and is the last player supporters would want to see depart after just a year in the first team. Thankfully, it would seem Gray shares that same stance.
He said: “The whole Gray family are very considered in their thinking, and very content to stay, even if it’s another season in the Championship. He has come through the U21s and ultimately one breakthrough season doesn’t mean you have to jump ship.
“I’m not sure many of the clubs linked with Gray can offer him the gametime necessary for his development. Look at Liverpool, who are very close to the Gray family, and I know for a fact that player, player family and those around him respect the people at Liverpool who have made contact, particularly the chief 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.”