Daniel Farke Unpacks Imminent Leeds United Exits and FFP Impact on Sales

Transfer discussions are generally kept at arm’s length by Daniel Farke, but the Leeds United boss has no reason to believe any imminent exits are on the horizon at Elland Road.

Crysencio Summerville was absent from Saturday’s matchday squad against Schalke, but Farke clarified it was due to a hamstring issue, not an impending transfer.

Although Farke has received no indication that he will be bidding farewell to any players soon, he acknowledges that anything can change quickly in football.

He is content with the current strength of his squad but recognizes that some players will continue to attract interest until they either leave or the transfer window closes.

When asked if he was aware of any progressing transfer exits, Farke responded: “No, because I don’t want to be involved too much in any negotiations or any offers. Our stance is clear: we want to keep our best players and want to have them for us.

“I would be worried if no club were interested in our players because then we would have a problem; it would mean we don’t attract any interest. It’s actually a good sign.

Yes, it makes life sometimes a bit difficult because we still have to pay for some past mistakes and we have to adhere to the financial fair play rules.”

Although Leeds are entering a new financial year, Farke remains mindful of the balance sheet at Elland Road as they approach the final month of the summer window.

A key factor in Summerville’s situation is his contract length.

Unless there are hidden extension clauses, the Dutch winger’s deal expires in 2026. Without new terms, his value will drop in the 2025 transfer windows as he nears the final 12 months of his contract.

Farke understands financial decisions must be made at the top level of the club, but in the aftermath of Saturday’s Schalke win, he emphasized that his players linked with exits had all worked hard during their training camp.

“There is always a financial decision you have to make and I know that’s ongoing; I’m not naive, but I don’t want to be involved in the everyday talks with potential clubs or agents,” he said. “All I want to judge is what they are doing once they are with us.

“Especially the players there is lots of talk and speculation about, when you look at their performances here in Germany, I would say top class, and their behavior on the training pitch is the same.

At the moment, I don’t have any signs someone will leave soon or wants to leave, but I know in this business many things can change in 24 hours.”