Leeds United escaped any Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) issues narrowly through the sale of academy product Archie Gray to Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur in the recently concluded summer transfer window.
Once Leeds lost the playoff final to Southampton at the end of last season, it became clear very early that they would need to sell some of their jewels in the summer transfer window to keep within the EFL’s PSR.
Leeds brought in a combined fee of £105m from the sales of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Gray to bolster their financial standing in the current financial year.
However, according to the Athletic, it was the sale of Gray that turned out to be the most crucial piece of outgoing business for Leeds in the last summer transfer window.
The sale of Archie Gray helped Leeds escape any PSR issues.
When the Premier League docked Everton points for breaching PSR last season it sent a message across the divisions that the football governing bodies are serious about enforcing financial rules.
PSR was a of last summer in the top flight in the last transfer window when several clubs traded academy players amongst themselves ahead of the June 30 deadline to get their finances in order.
Leicester City are expected to get points docked for breaking rules last season and Leeds’ position going into the transfer window was not rosy.
It was the sale of Gray that brought in £30m in pure profits, which helped Leeds to keep within the rules despite getting a much bigger fee from Rutter’s move to Brighton.
Promotion is still key for Leeds for a stronger financial footing in the future.
Not getting promoted to the Premier League last season was a blow to Leeds not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well.
It meant that Leeds had to lose three key players and limited their ability to attract better quality because of a tighter budget for the season.
Leeds are aiming to get promoted back to the top-flight this season and it could sort out any future financial issues for the club.
However, without promotion, Leeds are again likely to be forced to sell their best players next year while the parachute payment kitty from the Premier League would also shrink.
