Leeds United’s move for Mexico international Andres Guardado gathers pace. Tactically it makes sense, but is there another compelling reason to do the deal?
The Express have linked Guardado with the move to Elland Road, and whilst it may seem crazy at first given his age. His experience and skill make it a superb bit of business. Expensive, but superb.
That expense could be seen as offputting especially for a Championship club. Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has said he will invest money into the side, but thus far has complied with Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions during every window.
So spending £5.2m on a central midfielder who takes set-pieces may seem like a strange decision in that vein. It’s a lot of money and whilst the player may seriously improve the side, he’s hardly a goalscorer who could deliver wins or world-class talent that has huge resale value.
But he is an incredibly popular Mexico international, captain of the side in fact. Leeds United’s new owner has grasped that the secret to being able to spend more money in football is to simply increase the revenue of your club. And that signing Mexico’s captain is a great way to do just that.
Followers of El Tri are loyal to a fault. They will follow their Mexican favourites wherever they go throughout Europe. Javier Hernandez has made West Ham massive amounts of cash already, with football.london reporting that one in five shirts being sold online going to Mexico and North America.
If Leeds United can tap into that market as West Ham did, then suddenly Andres Guardado’s signing becomes so much smarter. £5.2m in initial outlay, yes, but who know how much money there is to be made in shirt sales, merchandising, pre-season tours, sponsorships and even TV rights deals.
And if Guardado works on the pitch? He could pave the way for more Mexican players, which would open up the market even more. That expanded market would bring more cash into Leeds’ coffers and enabling the kind of bigger spending that could help Leeds return to the Premier League.
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