OPINION
The sad truth is that money has become the be all and end all of football and for clubs like Leeds United there is a gulf to bridge if they are to compete with the high rollers.
The Whites, bankrolled by the ambitious Andrea Radrizzani, do not have anywhere near the same spending power as some of their rivals and as a result the impressive nature of their promotion push cannot be overstated.
Their spending last summer, which included the likes of Patrick Bamford joining the club, was funded partly by Radrizzani and partly by player sales, the likes of Ronaldo Vieira a surprise exit in a move to help provide Marcelo Bielsa with some extra finances to spend.
Unfortunately for the club, it seems as though this could be the case again this summer, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s report stating that the likes of Jack Clarke, Pontus Jansson and Kalvin Phillips could all be used to bring additional cash in to boost recruitment, just like Viera’s £7million sale did last summer.
There appear to be some hefty price tags on the fan favourites – £10million reported for Clarke and in excess of that for Phillips – but that will not ward off potential suitors of the Premier League, where the money is free flowing.
One big name and heartbreaking exit might be enough to bring in two, three or even four new arrivals at Elland Road and so as difficult as it might be for the Leeds faithful to accept, they need to be preparing themselves for a difficult goodbye or two.
It is all in the best interests in the club – Radrizzani quite clearly pushing for a Premier League promotion – but failure to seal top flight football will mean the disappointment of losing a beloved star as well as another season of Championship football.
This is the way football has gone – but promotion could bring new riches which means Leeds do not have to suffer the same again.