NafisaFormer Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie thinks Leeds United will need to spend heavily if they hope to stay in the Premier League next season.
Currently leading the Championship with just eleven matches left, Daniel Farke’s side is in a strong position to secure promotion. However, having previously struggled to maintain their top-flight status—spending only three seasons in the Premier League before relegation in 2023—Leeds will want to avoid another quick return to the EFL.
Recently promoted clubs have often found it difficult to compete against the league’s top teams, and Hendrie suggests that an investment exceeding £100 million might be necessary to ensure a smooth transition if Leeds are to secure promotion in the coming months.
Hendrie Draws Ipswich Town Comparison and Predicts Leeds’ Premier League Outlook
Clubs moving up from the Championship take different approaches in the transfer market. Some prioritize experienced top-flight players, while others rely on young talent to challenge the division’s best teams.
A balanced mix of both strategies can be the key to success, and Leeds already have several players with Premier League experience who could play a crucial role.
Reflecting on other clubs’ approaches, Hendrie points to Ipswich Town as an example of a team that has taken a different route. The Tractor Boys have reportedly spent £108.9 million, largely on young prospects with an eye on long-term development rather than immediate survival. Currently facing the risk of relegation, Ipswich’s struggles highlight the challenges of adapting to the Premier League. Hendrie believes Leeds are in a stronger position to compete at the next level due to the quality of their current squad.
When asked about Leeds’ potential spending if promoted, the pundit said:
“That is a tough one. You look at teams from past seasons where the top three have gone up and really struggled, and that is the problem at the moment.
“If you are a team that has got a decent foundation, which I think Leeds have at the moment, I do think they have got some really good players at the moment.
“Their home form really speaks for itself and Elland Road is a bit of a fortress, which always helps, but we are talking about the step-up to the Premier League and how much needs to be spent.
“We have seen Ipswich spend a fair bit of money to try and survive in the league and have really found it difficult. I think it is all about getting the right personnel in, if anything, with probably more experience rather than youth.
“It seems to be the case that a lot of clubs that are coming into the Premier League are looking at youth to get a building approach if they inevitably get relegated, and that seems to be the case over the past few seasons that they just can’t survive.
“For some of these clubs that do get promoted, it is about building a foundation for the future where they will stand a chance if they get the opportunity again.”
Estimated Transfer Budget for Leeds
Whichever clubs secure promotion this season, they will need to make significant squad improvements to have any hope of staying up.
With last season’s promoted teams at risk of immediate relegation once again, the gap between the Championship and the Premier League appears wider than ever. Serious financial backing will be required to compete at the highest level.
Hendrie believes that while Leeds have a strong squad to build upon, their investment in new signings will have to be substantial. His estimate suggests the club could need to spend at least £150 million to give themselves a realistic chance of survival.
He added:
“£100 million seems like absolutely nothing when some of the clubs in the Premier League are spending that on one player, or £80 million.
“I think it is about getting the personnel, but they will need to spend and invest if they are going to survive in the Premier League, but they will have a good foundation. You are going to be talking about over £150 million if they are to survive.”
Nafisa
