Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has revealed how much Leeds United may have to pay if they earn promotion to the Premier League.
The Whites currently sit three points clear of second-placed West Bromwich Albion and six points clear of third-placed Brentford in the Championship table with three matches left to play.
When Marcelo Bielsa’s side face Barnsley on Thursday night, should they better Brentford’s result against Preston North End on Wednesday, promotion to England’s top flight will be mathematically confirmed.
However, in the latest episode of The Price of Football podcast, Maguire revealed what the Elland Road outfit’s outgoings will be if they are promoted to the Premier League.
He said: “Because the Premier League wants itself to be seen on HD or 4K televisions, you’ve got to upgrade the floodlights. So, realistically I think Leeds will be looking at between £5-10m on that. You also have to upgrade the perimeter advertising areas and things of this nature.
“I went into the small print of Leeds’ accounts and, in terms of the relationship with the former owners, the only thing I could find out was a loan of around about £4m. Now, it could be that that loan becomes instantly repayable upon promotion. So, that’s something to be aware of, but that’s bearable.
“Leeds will have to pay transfer top-ups or add-ons of £5m to other clubs should they be promoted.
“I think the big one, and this did take me a little bit aback because this is probably more than we see at most clubs, is that according to Leeds’ accounts, if they are promoted, the bonus pool for staff, which I presume is mainly players and management, is a whopping £19m.
“So yeah, that money will effectively come out of next year’s income from the Premier League.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what Maguire had to say, it appears that getting promoted to the Premier League will incur quite hefty fees for the Yorkshire outfit.
Are you surprised by the fees Leeds would have to pay if they are promoted?
Yes, seems like a lot
No, not that surprising
However, if Leeds are promoted, it will be their first time back in the Premier League since 2004, so it seems likely that fans will care little about the cost of promotion.