Leeds United’s squad was completely torn apart as a result of relegation last season.
Daniel Farke could only watch on as numerous members of Leeds’ first team made use of the clauses that became active in their respective contracts upon the return to the Championship.
Unlike fellow relegated sides Leicester City and Southampton, Leeds did not generate much in the way of permanent sales, as the majority of the squad actually left on loan.
Of that group, only Luis Sinisterra and Robin Koch have managed to seal permanent exits so far, which could put Leeds in an awkward position this summer if players do not attract interest.
With that figure of £190 million in unpaid transfer instalments still hanging over Leeds, you would think 49ers Enterprises will try move some of those players on permanently when the window re-opens, in order to offset some of that cash.
Leeds made one of their best ever sales in Tyler Adams last summer
Tyler Adams and Rodrigo Moreno were actually the only first team players at Leeds who moved on permanently last summer, though the latter was for a measly £3 million.
Adams had actually been someone 49ers were keen to build Leeds’ Championship side around. However, according to Angus Kinnear, he made a serious push behind-the-scenes to ensure he left.
And while there was some animosity towards him for the way he went about his move, his sale has actually turned out to be one of the best in Leeds’ history.
Including add-ons, Leeds sold Adams to Bournemouth for a fee somewhere in the region of £23 million +add-ons. Since moving to the Cherries, he has played just two Premier League matches, and three in total.
Adams had been recovering from a hamstring injury at Leeds and eventually returned for Bournemouth in a cup tie against Stoke City, where he immediately re-injured it. He then missed the next five-and-a-half months.
Having then fully recovered, Adams played two league matches for Bournemouth, as well as two on international duty for USA. However, he has not been seen even on the bench since April 2.
Having spent the best part of a year out, Adams’ body is clearly struggling with the demands of being back. Had Leeds kept him, he would’ve been able to make little to no impact.
Instead, Leeds used the money to re-build their midfield by bringing in Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev for a total fee of less than Adams’ sale.
All three, as well as Archie Gray, have barely missed a single match between them through injury. Availability is the best ability in football, and Adams doesn’t have it.