Ex‑PL CEO expects 'serious spending' from Leeds this summer

Leeds United have got to spend big in the summer transfer window and show they are right behind manager Daniel Farke.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, as Farke wants the Leeds ownership to match his ambitions for the club.

Farke has ensured that Leeds will be playing Premier League football again next season, and has overseen an unbeaten run stretching eight games.

The German’s ability to manage in the Premier League was doubted at the beginning of the season, but Leeds confirmed survival with three games to spare.

Farke wants Leeds to take the next step forward as a club, which could indicate his intentions to challenge for European football next season.

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Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Farke deserves credit for a successful season at Leeds.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Farke has the right to make his ambitions known to the owners.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It doesn’t seem that long ago when we talked about Farke possibly being on the sack list and yet here he is now.

“Farke is loved by the fans, he’s got them playing well, and he’s done a good job and easily kept them up in the end. So what does it mean for him? Well, he’s putting his authority on it, I don’t think there’s any way they’re going to get rid of him.

“Farke’s just saying, these are the things I’ve been telling you about. This is what we need, and he’s quite right to do that. He’s got a chance to do it and Leeds should back him.

“Now, Farke didn’t really get the backing last year, but this year, Leeds have got to push the bout out slightly better than they did before. So I do expect to see some serious spending again from Leeds.”

One key area which Farke is looking to strengthen this summer is in goal, as Karl Darlow’s contract is set to expire next month.

The 35-year-old’s future is uncertain, alongside his back-up Lucas Perri, whilst Illan Meslier will be leaving the club this summer.

Sources have told Football Insider that Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk is a target for Leeds this summer to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.

The 27-year-old could be one of a number of goalkeepers Leeds are keeping tabs on, with Manchester City shot stopper James Trafford having also been linked with a move to Elland Road.

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