Paraag Marathe Credit: Imago
Leeds United are set to complete the biggest transfer of the 49ers era at Elland Road as they close in on finalising Tarik Muharemovic’s arrival in the coming hours.
The 49ers have splashed the cash on the defender after Leeds agreed to pay a £34m fee to Sassuolo for the signature of the 23-year-old Bosnian centre-back.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Muharemovic has also agreed a lucrative five-year contract that will make him Leeds’ highest-paid player once he signs on the dotted line in the coming hours.
However, another key development over the last 24 hours has also helped Leeds to avoid a financial loss thanks to the 49ers’ ability to drive a hard bargain during negotiations.
Read More: Exclusive – Leeds United make £10m demand in talks to sell star signing
Leeds United avoid loss after player’s departure
Paraag Marathe insisted at the end of the season that Leeds would need to sell better this summer to ensure they can spend at an adequate level to improve the squad.
The Premier League’s new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulation has impacted the club’s spending power, and has put more emphasis on their ability to sell players for decent fees and avoid losses.
Leeds announced the departure of Isaac Schmidt on a permanent deal after he completed a move to Swiss side Young Boys this summer, earlier today.
Werder Bremen decided against signing him on a permanent deal following the end of his loan last season, and Leeds were determined to sell him.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth revealed that Leeds worked out a deal worth £2m to sell the full-back this summer.
The transfer fee may seem negligible, but it allowed Leeds to avoid registering a major loss on their books as the defender was sold on book value.
It seemed hard to see how Leeds were going to get a fee from Schmidt’s departure, given his struggles in the last two years.
However, the 49ers have pulled off a negotiating masterclass to ensure the Whites did not lose any money on the deal.
Leeds need more such sales like Isaac Schmidt
The 49ers have done well to ensure Leeds earn a £2m from Isaac Schmidt’s sale, and it shows what the club need to do more of this summer.
Leeds have several players on their books who have no future at Elland Road, and even their suitors are aware of that fact. However, Leeds cannot afford to cave in negotiations.
Valencia are trying to sign Largie Ramazani on another loan. But Leeds must stick to their guns and demand they pay the £10m fee they want from the Belgian’s sale.
Leeds also must ensure that they do not let Wilfried Gnonto leave on the cheap as well, and turn a huge profit from his sale in the coming weeks.
Joel Piroe is a proven performer in the Championship, and any interest from the second tier must involve a decent fee for Leeds this summer.
Leeds are also demanding an obligation to buy in any loan deal involving Lucas Perri, and they would be wise to stick to that position, even if keeping hold of the Brazilian ultimately proves to be their best option this summer.