Leeds are stuck in a bit of a paradox when it comes to spending money this month.
FFP is reportedly a big issue for the Whites, but they desperately need a striker.
Unfortunately, United have already spent money on a number nine this year after it was revealed that much of their Kemar Roofe windfall was spent on loaning Eddie Nketiah in the summer.
The striker’s loan didn’t work out as he was recalled by Arsenal, leaving Leeds back at square one in their pursuit of a forward.
You’d think that FFP would make it hard for Leeds to spend money on a replacement for the Arsenal man this month, but Phil Hay has stated that the Yorkshire club are ready to commit to a significant financial outlay for an attacking player.
What’s been said?
The journalist appeared on The Athletic’s Ornstein & Chapman Podcast on Monday to discuss Leeds’ plans this month.
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Understandably, the conversation got onto Leeds’ pursuit of a new attacker, with the names of Che Adams and Andre Gray coming up.
Hay gave an insight into Leeds’ stance when it comes to committing to a financial outlay this month.
“It’s players of that ilk that they’re looking at, players who have done it at this level before that can be relied on to do it, who are going to cost a loan fee rather than a transfer fee up front, but would almost certainly need an obligation in the summer.
“Leeds are prepared to commit to that, they’re prepared to put up a seven-figure loan fee at this stage,” The journalist said (The Ornstein & Chapman Podcast 20/1/20 20:00).
Ready to spend
Andrea Radrizzani seems to have learnt his lesson from last January after fans blasted the chairman for not spending to strengthen the squad.
Hay’s claims suggest he’s not going to outlay the money right away, but with FFP breathing down Leeds’ necks and promotion on the cards, that’s good business sense more than anything else.
A seven-figure loan fee is a statement of intent in itself, and if United can land a striker who has done it at Championship level before, the club may reap the rewards of Radrizzani’s investment.
Of course, it remains to be seen who Leeds get through the door, but the fact that they’re willing to commit to a financial outlay shows they’re serious about going up this time. It’s also evidence of a club operating in the right way.
In other news, Phil Hay has suggested that one Leeds transfer is all but done.