What happens if Leeds United do not win promotion?
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed to The Times that he is holding ongoing talks with would be investors.
Radrizzani says his plan is to push ahead with investment when Leeds win promotion.
But if the Whites fail to go up this year, Radrizzani may need to fast track his plan.
Leeds currently sit in fifth place, two points off the top. That shows how closely contested the Championship is, and that there are no guarantees.
Radrizzani revealed Leeds’ wage bill is around £40 million, which includes Marcelo Bielsa and all his staff. He knows this is unsustainable in the Championship.
He said: “It’s financially not sustainable to keep his level of salary which is now over £30 million, probably £33 million with Marcelo and closer to £40 million with the coaches.”
Decision time
If Leeds win promotion, then Radrizzani can continue his plan to push on and sell a stake to investors.
And if they do not, Radrizzani may have no choice but to bring in extra financial help anyway.
With the wage bill soaring, that may be the only way for him to keep Bielsa.
And if the Argentine cannot be convinced to stay put, then money will be required to attract another high quality coach, and signings he wants.
Without Bielsa, and without promotion, Leeds will be back at square one next summer if this season does not go to plan.
Radrizzani will have to reconsider his plan to wait to get to the Premier League before reaching out for help. He will need assistance to get them there.
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