Finance expert reacts to double Leeds United exit | OneFootball

Dr Dan Plumley believes a financial boost may have come from the departures of Gretar Steinsson and Jordan Miles.

Football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley believes Leeds United have reduced the size of their wage bill following the departures of Gretar Steinsson and Jordan Miles.

Plumley has made this claim to MOT Leeds News, even though other club figures may need to move into their positions and potentially receive a pay rise with that.

Steinsson has left the Whites to join the 49ers Enterprises global football group. The club is currently owned by the 49ers, so the former Bolton Wanderers star has effectively moved up the food chain.

He could still have some involvement at Leeds, but his day-to-day involvement at Elland Road looks to have come to an end after leaving his position as technical director.

Miles, meanwhile, is thought to have left his role as the West Yorkshire side's head of recruitment.

These two key recruitment figures have departed ahead of the January transfer window, which could be an important one for the club.

They already have a sufficient amount of depth in some areas, but their centre-back department may need to be looked at if Ethan Ampadu plays in midfield after his return from injury.

Their striker department may also need to be looked at, depending on who stays and who goes, with Joe Geldhart recently being linked with a move to Rangers and other teams.

They may not need to make too many additions during the January window, but one or two extra signings could make the difference for them, and they may also need to replace those who may leave Elland Road as they look to retain their place at the top of the table.

Football finance expert on Gretar Steinsson and Jordan Miles' exits

The one potential positive of Steinsson and Miles' departures is the possibility that this has decreased their wage bill.

Speaking on this subject, Dr Plumley told MOT Leeds News: "Two slightly different scenarios isn’t it.

"Steinsson is moving almost in-house up to the group structure of the football enterprises of the 49ers, so he’ll still be heavily involved in Leeds United, but probably pay-roll wise, he will be on a different one that will save a little bit for the club.

"With Miles, that is like a transfer out in want of a better term, so that’s a different opportunity and will save a bit on the cost if you can do that in-house.

"There will still be a promotion upwards so some salary uplift for those picking up the roles, but overall, you’re probably looking at a slight cost saving there with how things have played out."

Leeds United need to be prepared for an important January transfer window

Leeds may have a decent squad at this stage, but quite a few first-teamers could be in the frame to depart Elland Road in January.

Max Wober hasn't won as much game time as he would have wanted - and could potentially try to push for a move away from West Yorkshire.

Even without Wober potentially leaving, more centre-back depth may be required.

There are also question marks over the futures of Gelhardt and Patrick Bamford, so the forward area may need to be looked at.

It won't be a rebuilding job at Elland Road in January, but it could still be an important window for them, in their quest to secure a Premier League return.