All is not as it seems?

The achievement of the previous season that had seen LUFC amount 90 points and deserve many more had been overshadowed by two other clubs who had enjoyed an extraordinary campaign.

The failure at Wembley had broken the hearts of the fanbase and blighted all the hard work that had accompanied an impressive first assault by Daniel Farke. The hope was that resolve and reinforced belief that Leeds were ‘going up next time’ would further unify the squad, eliminate the mistakes and cement success.

Success at last

As Leeds United progressed throughout the 2024-25 championship campaign with a few minor blips but regularly succeeding in their task both home and away, it was becoming easier as a Leeds fan to imagine destiny was on their side.

Despite a significant downturn in form near season end that had threatened to jeopardise the campaign, one catastrophic week for Sheffield United and a brilliant final push had ensured that premiership football was assured as Leeds finished champions with 100 points.

No pain, no gain

But the departure of Archie Gray (£40m) during the previous close season window despite promises of ‘no fire sales’ after missing promotion, had sounded alarm bells. Those who feared the harsh reality of commercial enterprise determining fiscal demands had been wary of the assurances issued by Paraag Marathe.

The inevitability of investors expecting return, suffocating PSR implications and the opportunism of Premier League clubs confident of securing the services of fickle championship players, had forced the club’s hand. Half the Gray legacy was broken. Only Harry remained, although the promise for his future and the stella prospect for the club is without question.

More pain, no gain

Shortly afterwards, the Elland Road faithful heard the devastating thunderbolt concerning the departure of their favourite player Georginio Rutter (£40m) who, after endearing himself to all, quickly relocated to Brighton and the premiership dream. Predictably, hot on his heels, followed Crysencio Summerville (£25m) to West Ham, who nobody expected to stay anyway but who had been instrumental to most of the success during the campaign.

Ins and outs and roundabouts

Leeds had lost arguably their three best players in addition to Glen Kamara (£7m) to Rennes before the new season had commenced. Leeds also loaned out Rasmus Kristensen, Darko Gyabi, Sam Greenwood and Sonny Perkins.

Joe Rodon (£10m) was now a permanent signing as part of the Gray deal and Largie Ramazani (£8m) had been brought in as a hopeful replacement for Summerville from Almeria. Ao Tanaka (£3m) from Fortuna Dusseldorf bolstered midfield, Jayden Bogle (£5m) from Sheffield United for right back and Isaach Schmidt (£2.5m) from St Gallen. Brendan Aaronson and Max Wober returned from loan.

At season close 2024/2025, Leeds United had accrued roughly £112m with the sale of 4 players and invested £28.5m to replace them. Jaidon Anthony and Connor Roberts returned to their parent clubs from season loans and Leeds held onto the belief that Mateo Joseph would be a sufficient alternative to Joel Piroe or Patrick Bamford. Crucially, loan deals for one season were agreed with Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth and Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur.

Kidding ourselves?

But the belief that Leeds United were near certainties for promotion was not grounded in anything other than hope. The teams relegated from the premiership were fortified with strong squads that had enjoyed investment of significant value.

Sheffield United and Burnley were certainly well equipped to combat any opposition within the Championship although it was a surprise that Luton Town faired so poorly. Other championship squads representing clubs with true merit were also primed to spoil the expectations of the LUFC promotion party. Coventry, Middlesboro, Sunderland and Bristol City were never going to be guaranteed push overs. There is hardly ever a match in the championship that involves mere formality as Leeds United have realised over too many years.

Fortune smiled on the brave!!

Arguably arrogance or a sense of entitlement were factors but the astronomical figures involved from previous PSR obligations and increasing future accountability, had excited the gamble of only expending slightly more than the £25m transfer fee received for Crysencio Summerville.

Without Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell it could be argued that Leeds would quite easily have failed to gain promotion. The transfer window in the January of 2025 provided no new additions and did nothing to alleviate fears of a small squad incurring injuries as the business end of the season ensued.

Forewarning

The 49’rs have always kept their cards close to their chest. It’s fair to assume that the open book policy of Radrizani was a painful lesson that was learned prior to take over. Victor Orta appeared to regularly use his position of extreme importance as a vehicle for self-promotion and a platform for wild boasts and bluster.

Consequently, the cloak of silence that Paraag Marathe had preferred to utilise had been accepted as shrewd business practice. The clamour from journalists and the national press for updates on transfer activity had largely been ignored but tolerated as fans maintained their faith. But as the club triumphantly passed the finish line, it could not be overlooked or ignored that the chief spokesperson for Leeds United had not yet satisfactorily explained the disparity in value between incomings and outgoings.