Big Premier League armies poised to pounce on Leeds – who owe other clubs £190m in transfer fees – with FIVE key men attracting interest after missing out on promotion

Leeds United will have to sell a number of prized assets this summer to balance the books after missing out on Premier League promotion day improved their bleak financial outlook.

Crysecio Summerville could lead a mass exodus to Elland Road after Leeds lost 1-0 to Southampton in Sunday’s play-off final.

Failing to earn a return to the top flight means the club has lost north of £100m in matchday, broadcast and commercial income.

Leeds will not only have to sell before they can buy this summer, but also pay substantial outstanding sums owed on previous transfers.

It is understood the club owes £189.7m in agreed installment payments for player purchases before this year.

Daniel Farke’s Leeds face an uncertain summer after failing to win promotion

Crysencio Summerville could lead a mass exodus to Elland Road, with the club having to sell

Archie Gray will be one of the club’s biggest selling assets this summer, despite his love for Leeds

In the latest accounts, Leeds made an operating loss of £106m – although this was somewhat offset by player sales of key men Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. A similar summer of turmoil is likely to follow, with none of the team’s core an absolute guarantee to stay.

Another problem they have is that 11 players left the club last summer on loan deals. The large amount is due to “loan clauses” in their contracts, which effectively represented weights to avoid a deal where substantial pay cuts would follow upon relegation.

Many of these will not return to the club, such as Luke Ayling, who joins Middlesbrough on a permanent deal. Jack Harrison was a regular when matching up with Sean Dyche at Everton – the Merseyside club are looking to make his deal permanent and they are confident of doing so.

Everton’s hand was strengthened when Leeds missed out on promotion and expect that to be a theme at Elland Road this summer.

Summerville will almost certainly leave. Liverpool are one of a number of top clubs believed to be keeping an eye on the Dutchman’s situation.

Teenage starlet Archie Gray is said to love the club – he is often seen singing along to a pre-match rendition of ‘Marching on Together’ – but will be one of Leeds’ biggest selling players after a stellar campaign.

Georginio Rutter – who signed for £35.5m – and Willy Gnonto could also leave, the latter almost doing so last summer and refusing to play after the club turned down two bids from Everton in just 20 million pounds.

Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation of Joe Rodon, who has enjoyed an impressive season at Leeds on loan from Tottenham. His defensive partner and fellow Welsh international Ethan Ampadu has also had a good year and it would not be surprising if top teams are keen.

But despite all the negativity, Leeds are not expected to break the rules on profit and sustainability – as long as they raise some funds from sales.

Georginio Rutter may have played his last game for the club after signing for £35m

Wilfried Gnonto attempted to leave the club last summer but could be forced to raise funds

Ethan Ampadu has had an impressive year and could be another out the door

“I’m not in a brilliant position, but it’s not a crisis,” says football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

“From a cash point of view, they have invested heavily in 2022-23 – the season they have gone down. Much of their spending since coming to the Premier League has been on structured deals, which is the norm. Don’t write a £50 million cheque.

“But that means there’s a lot on their existing credit card. They need to reduce their balances before they can start spending again. Looking at profitability, they lost £36m in 2022 and £34m in 2023, so that’s £70m this season.

“The wage bill will go down (in the next set of accounts) but TV money is also down significantly even with the parachute payments. In terms of club sustainability, the 49ers are pretty solid owners.