The 49ers are showing that they won’t be bullied in the transfer market with Leeds United this summer.
It’s been an efficient and sensible approach to this window from the Leeds owners, as after seven new signings, £80 million being spent is good going.
Although there have been many fiascos, Leeds will stick to their valuations of players and not be priced out of a move.
This has made the Whites’ business look smooth and decisive when making big decisions.
An example of this has emerged with a free agent who wanted an excessive wage, but once again, the West Yorkshire side flexed their muscles.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesDominic Calvert-Lewin wanted a high wage from Leeds United
Despite areas in Daniel Farke’s squad being ticked off, the striker position still hasn’t been fulfilled to the owners’ requirements.
Even though Lukas Nmecha signed, Leeds want another striker, and they could have done this in the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The former Everton striker saw his contract expire at the end of June as he searches for a new challenge, with the 49ers making contact with Calvert-Lewin.
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However, the Whites haven’t pursued anything with the England international, as talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has revealed why.
“I was told that Calvert-Lewin is looking for 150k a week. Which is why he held talks with Leeds and they backed off,” Crook said.
Alan Brazil responded in bafflement, saying, “No. 150k a week?”
The former Toffees frontman does bring Premier League experience with him, but it may be the sort of figure that is way out of Leeds’ comfort zone.
Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin decision makes sense for Leeds United
The Whites do need a striker, and judging by the forward’s 57 Premier League goals, his experience seems like a no-brainer.
But a wage like that in a squad that is trying to be sustainable just can’t be justified, and his form from last season doesn’t help his case.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the Premier League for Everton (24/25)
Farke can be thanked for the rejection of this demand from the striker, as it was made clear by the manager that Calvert-Lewin’s wage wouldn’t reflect well on Leeds’ squad.
This shows that the German isn’t willing to give in to any absurd wage demands, no matter who the player is.
What can be praised by the Peacocks’ manager is not only his smart footballing brain, but his strong business mind as well, which exemplifies why Paraag Marathe kept the 48-year-old in his post.
Marathe trusts Farke, and with decisions like this, Leeds can continue to carry out their sensible approach for the future.