Leeds have cleared the decks this summer in a ruthless window under Marcelo Bielsa.
All four players have gone on loan to Spain, with Machuca, Balboa and Sarkic joining third tier sides Badalona, Burgos and Barakaldo, while midfielder Rey has joined UB Conquense in the fourth tier of Spanish football.
They all remain on loan until the end of the season, with their contracts expiring in the summer of 2020. But after owner Radrizzani’s comments, the quartet have been identified as possible future exits next summer.
Indeed, Radrizzani said earlier in the transfer window: “We have a lot of millions in Under-23 salaries. It’s too heavy for this club,” after Leeds went through a phase of buying an influx of Under-23 stars last season.
The report claims strikers Sarkic and Balboa, as well as holding midfielder Rey and creative midfielder Machuca are the four names most likely to leave the club following Radrizzani’s desire to reduce the Under-23 wage bill.
When they return from their loan spells, they will have entered the final 12 months of their contract and that will surely attract buyers next summer – with the players likely to be available for a bargain fee.
Though the players may be looking to show Leeds they are capable of breaking into the first team while on loan, it appears their futures at Elland Road may be as good as over.
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