Robbie Fowler admits Leeds United are paying ‘brutal’ transfer price this summer

Former Leeds United forward Robbie Fowler reckons Leeds are already paying the price for failing to secure promotion to the Premier League last season.

The Whites finished third on 90 points but could only secure a play-off place. They progressed to the final but were beaten by Southampton at Wembley last May.

Six players have been sold to ease their financial position this summer, including Archie Gray. United were left “heartbroken” after selling the youngster to Tottenham Hotspur. England Under-21 international Gray put in an assured performance on his Spurs debut in a pre-season friendly against Hearts last week.

“Especially Leeds legend Eddie. But until Leeds are an established Premier League club again, losing players like Archie [Gray] is the price you pay [for not being in the Premier League].”

Several players including Luke Ayling, Cody Drameh, Rasmus Kristensen, Jamie Shackleton, Glen Kamara, and Connor Roberts have exited the club but new signing Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United was announced on Saturday evening. He boasts Premier League experience having played 34 games for the Blades in their relegation campaign. Earlier in the window Daniel Farke’s side acquired the signatures of Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, and Joe Rothwell.

Leeds will push for automatic promotion to the Premier League this term to avoid the lottery of the play-offs but several new faces may arrive at Thorp Arch training ground before the transfer window slams shut.