Leeds United
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe has addressed the club’s supporters, emphasizing that it will take another two seasons to solidify the club’s status as a regular in the Premier League. This summer’s transfer window is set to be “strategic and disciplined,” with both player exits and arrivals anticipated. Following a challenging season that saw Leeds secure their Premier League survival with three games to spare, finishing 14th, Marathe has laid out a clear vision for the club’s future.
Paraag Marathe said: “While this year brought memorable highs and difficult moments, Daniel and the squad delivered a special campaign. We are also especially proud to have recorded our first league win at Old Trafford since 1981 and to have reached our first FA Cup semi-final since 1987. This season, clearly one of the determining factors for the squad was your energy at Elland Road – we collected 32 points on home soil. We will need that energy next season to ensure it remains a fortress. I said last year that the road ahead would not be easy – that is still true. History shows that the second season in the Premier League can be just as, if not more, challenging as the first. We remain ambitious but measured and deliberate, understanding that it will take three long-fought seasons before we can truly operate like an established Premier League side. This summer, instead of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) will impact our transfer market approach. As our accounts reflect, we spent every penny possible, as promised, to earn promotion and keep the club in the Premier League. Remaining in the Premier League allows us to keep building, both on and off the pitch. I want to thank Daniel, the players, and staff of Leeds United who have worked tirelessly throughout the season to achieve our objective. I would also like to thank you, our supporters, for your tremendous support throughout the campaign that made Elland Road one of the best environments in global football.”
Marathe’s statement highlights the club’s intent to focus on stability in the upcoming season. Despite spending over £100 million on 10 players last summer, the club is aware of the need for a balanced approach in the transfer market. The new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) framework, set to replace the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), will influence Leeds’ transfer activities, potentially leaving the club slightly worse off in the short term.
The 49ers, who have pledged further investment into Leeds United, acknowledge that player sales will be necessary following last year’s low return on departed players. The club’s biggest sale last summer was a £7.7 million deal with Eintracht Frankfurt for Rasmus Kristensen. This off-season, Leeds aims to target high-quality assets to elevate the team’s performance, rather than engaging in a busy transfer window.
Marathe’s end-of-season statement also praised the achievements of the past season, including a historic win at Old Trafford and reaching the FA Cup semi-final. He expressed gratitude to manager Daniel Farke, his staff, and the players for their dedication and hard work. While Marathe did not discuss future plans regarding Farke’s contract, which has just over a year remaining, he acknowledged the significant role played by the club’s supporters, particularly at Elland Road.
About The Author
