Robbie Evans has been open and transparent about the work Leeds United have done in the transfer market, and whether you agree with Evans or not, it is an improvement on previous owners.
During Andrea Radrizzani, Massimo Cellino, and the owners of Leeds before that, it was clear that Leeds would rarely speak to the media about behind-the-scenes activity, especially so soon after a window.
But managing director Robbie Evans called the major media outlets to Elland Road earlier this week, the likes of BBC’s Adam Pope, the YEP’s Graham Smyth, and The Athletic’s Beren Cross, to discuss matters.
Evans discussed the failure to sign Harry Wilson, claims Dominic Calvert-Lewin rejected a Champions League club on the day he signed, the PSR situation, and any chance of entering the free agent market.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesRobbie Evans says 49ers are doing something not done before
The 49ers have come in for criticism in the last few days. Paraag Marathe’s comments about doing deals for breakfast and spending every available penny have come to bite Leeds and Marathe on the backside.
Wilson has not arrived at Elland Road, and to many supporters, Leeds have failed to add the attackers needed to survive. But Evans, as per The YEP, says the 49ers have invested more than any owner prior.
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“Everyone assumes that cash is infinite and we’ll max out PSR. My objective every year is to max out PSR, irrespective of the cash. We’re injecting tons of cash, far more than any ownership group has before.”
Andrea Radrizzani’s reign not valued highly by 49ers at Leeds
Publicly, Daniel Farke has made the point on many occasions that Leeds are “paying for sins of the past”. The notorious credit card approach still hampers Leeds when it comes to Profit & Sustainability Rules.
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Radrizzani’s ownership saw Leeds buy players with payments stretched down the line for years to come. Fees for players like Dan James, bought in 2021 for £25m, are supposedly still not paid at Elland Road.
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The belief is that things will be a whole lot better in 12 months, and Leeds will have fewer losses to pay for. What is clear is that the 49ers and Evans believe Leeds are paying for Radrizzani’s ownership.