A raft of new insights into Leeds United transfer strategy emerged as The Athletic released a tell-all interview with owner Andrea Radrizzani. Read on and find out more about the behind-the-scenes of the Raphinha deal, the Whites’ interest in AC Milan‘s new signing Charles De Ketelaere and how the club is approaching its transfer strategy in the coming years.
Behind The Leeds United Transfer Window
On Raphinha
One of the main feelings Radrizzani has around the Raphinha sale to Barcelona is shame, but not because he sold the player. Radrizzani said: “We made a deal with Chelsea… the problem is, the Barcelona influence convinced the player to wait until they find a solution. My word is my word, I felt ashamed to go back to Todd Boehly and change the decision.”
Radrizzani’s presentation of Barca as a confusing actor this summer is accurate. For a side in financial difficulty, the purchases of Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are highly confusing. When asked whether he was certain Leeds would receive the money, Radrizzani responded: “I’ll tell you on the second of September“.
Whilst Barcelona are confident in their spending ability, selling clubs don’t share that feeling.
On Charles De Ketelaere
Charles De Ketelaere’s move to AC Milan was the end of Leeds United’s pursuit of the player. Such a transfer move is damaging for Leeds, as Radrizzani stated that: “We agreed with Brugge for €40 million, so it was an important investment for the future of the club”. Whilst the Belgian is an incredible player and would contribute significantly to the White’s Premier League campaign, his transfer would mean much more than that.
The move for De Ketelaere perfectly fits the Yorkshire club’s current strategy of buying promising talent, giving them Premier League minutes and selling after their value appreciates. On transfer strategy, Radrizzani said: “These deals are important … to be perceived by other talented players as a destination before going to a bigger club. It would be wrong to put the players in a cage when they have the talent”.
The Whites’ focus on the “Leicester model” since moving to the Premier League has been clear, and signing the promising forward would have been another addition to the club’s portfolio of talent.
On Investment
Radrizzani defended the investment he’s made in the club in the interview. On transfer spending, he estimated that: “We have invested over £260 million and I think we are amongst the top clubs in investing in players, this year about £105 million… it’s the first year in the Premier League that we are selling players“. This is one of the higher levels of spending across the division and is a significant part of his drive to help the club’s future.
The club’s future also includes building massive new infrastructure: “Our club now is around £205-210 million in revenue, if we develop the stadium to 55,000 attendance we could probably reach £260-270 million. We have the infrastructure, the city and the fans to make this club in the top ten”.
Radrizzani’s passion for the club is clear, and only time will tell if he reaches his goal of consistent top-half finishes.
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