Leeds United fans were left frustrated during the summer window after gaining promotion, only to see their spending blown out of the water by rivals Sunderland.
Out of the three promoted sides returning to the Premier League this season, it’s safe to say Sunderland have enjoyed the best start so far.
Their transfers and coaching under Regis Le Bris has been a massive part of it, overhauling the side that went up through the playoffs.
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Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus issues bold top 10 claim after bright Premier League start
The Black Cats have impressed since their promotion. They sit fourth after 10 games so far, drawing on Monday night against Everton at home.
Prior to the game, Sunderland’s owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football coverage. During his appearance, he shared how they’ve rebuilt for this campaign.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus oversaw a hugely ambitious summer at the Stadium of Light. (REUTERS/David Klein)
“I think the stats showed to us that unless you do something extraordinary you’re likely going to go back to the Championship. For us, we didn’t really set ourselves a budget in terms of the money we want to spend.
“We had an ambition to try and bring in the players we want and fortunately a lot of the deals we wanted to do we were able to conclude them. And as a result of that the spend in the end was big, but most importantly we got the players that we wanted.”
Why can’t Leeds United spend as much as Sunderland this season?
Unsurprisingly, Louis-Dreyfus’ comments reached online Leeds circles, as fans were left bemused at Sunderland’s perceived greater ambition than United’s owners.
The Black Cats, Leeds, and every Premier League club are tethered to PSR thresholds and can only spend what their profit and loss allows them to.
Sunderland spent around £165million on new signings, while Leeds spent £100million. Both are newly promoted after two previous years in the Championship, so why can they spend so much more?
Leeds United’s summer spending was more restricted than Sunderland’s. (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley)
Managing director Robbie Evans stated after the window shut that Leeds maxed out their PSR spending. And, the crucial difference many have neglected to point out is the lack of sales at Leeds compared to Sunderland.
The Wearside club notably cashed in on two talented players – Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson – to the tune of around £37million. Leeds’ only sales were of Sam Greenwood and Rasmus Kristensen for a combined £11.2million (if all add-ons are met).
How can Leeds United bridge the gap to fund January sales?
Therefore, the only way Leeds are going to be able to finance spending in January, while staying the right side of PSR thresholds, is to sell one or two.
The reason this didn’t happen in the summer is that Leeds didn’t have an easily-replaceable £27million midfielder like Sunderland had Jobe. Plus, they had a £10million winger who didn’t start.
Leeds’ saleable assets were crucial starters last season. Joel Piroe, the league’s top scorer; Pascal Struik, a vital cog at centre-back; Willy Gnonto, the club’s most talented winger; Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, integral midfielders.
Joel Piroe hasn’t started a Leeds United fixture since August, and has been an unused sub twice in a row. (REUTERS/David Klein)
The question is: who could Leeds sell for a handsome fee while not affecting their starting XI that much?
As January approaches, though, one of the above names has suddenly become potentially surplus to requirements in Daniel Farke’s view, and it’s Piroe.
The Dutchman is still undoubtedly the club’s best finisher. However, a lack of athleticism became noticeable almost instantly in the top flight. Meanwhile, his 91 goals and assists in four Championship campaigns surely means he wants assurances of regular starts. That isn’t going to happen at Elland Road unfortunately.
If Farke and United can’t see a regular role even off the bench for Piroe at the moment, it makes perfect sense for the club to consider cashing in. He’ll have suitors, potentially in the eight-figure region, after the club turned down offers in the summer. It could bankroll a busy January as a result.
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