Good Morning. It's Friday 16th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds United Reignite Interest in Brazilian Midfielder Gabriel Sara
Leeds United are reportedly eyeing a move for Brazilian playmaker Gabriel Sara, currently playing for Turkish side Galatasaray. Sara was previously linked with a switch to Elland Road last summer while still at Norwich City, but the deal ultimately fell through as he opted for a move to Turkey in a deal worth £15m
Now, according to Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are back in the hunt for the talented attacking midfielder. "He's [Sara] on the radar. Leeds have looked at him," Bailey told LeedsUnited.News. "You know, they knew all about him at Norwich, etc. He was fantastic. He's not going to be cheap. We know that. But he's an option out there."
Sara's performances in the SuperLig have been impressive, showcasing his versatility and quality. While primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder during his time at Norwich, he has transitioned into a deeper-lying role, but contributing 11 goals from midfield.
Earlier this month, reports from Istanbul suggested they would hold out for a fee in the region of €40m (£33m) which would surely rule Leeds out of the running. Given the choice, surely there are better value for money players around.
£15m for Harrison?
Jack Harrison's future at Leeds United hangs precariously in the balance after his two-season loan spell at Everton. Following Leeds' relegation in May 2023, Harrison seemingly deserted the club, and he hasn't donned a Leeds shirt since. With his loan concluded and no obligation to buy included in the deal, the 28-year-old winger is currently slated to return to Leeds for pre-season training. He still has three years left on his contract, signed in April 2023, a few months after a near £20 million move to Leicester City.
Whites' promotion means there's no loan clause active in his deal. Daniel Farke, who Harrison has never played under at Leeds, is likely to make a call on his future in pre-season having worked with the player for the first time.
However, that could change if a significant offer comes in before the start of pre-season. If the offer meets Leeds’ expectations that Harrison is very likely to be moved on.
But what sort of price would be beneficial to Leeds? It could come down to the numbers with Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) and amortisation in mind.
As reported by the Athletic, Harrison’s estimated book value sits at around £2.75 million, meaning any fee that the club receive above that will go down as a profit for PSR.
Having paid £11 million for him in 2021 (plus £9m in loan fees), that fee was spread out over the three years of his contract. When he signed a new deal in April 2023, his book value was then spread again over the five years, working out at between £2.5 and £3 million.
Therefore, in a scenario where Leeds are able to get the £20 million Leicester were willing to pay for the player in January 2023, then the PSR profit this season would go down at around £18.25 million.
The fact that Harrison has three years remaining on his deal will be a boost to Leeds in getting as much money as possible if they decide to sell. However, Harrison is now two years older, meaning clubs may be more unwilling to spend as much on the player. It’s a situation to keep a close eye on over the next few weeks and months.
It's a situation to keep a close eye on over the next few weeks and months. If Leeds were offered £15m this Summer for Harrison, would they be stupid not to accept it?
