Leeds United’s starting XI for the opening Championship game in August may look very different from the team that suffered a gutting play-off final defeat against Southampton. Archie Gray has already left Elland Road, and rumors suggest that former Rangers player Glen Kamara will soon follow.
The fee Leeds expects for Kamara softens the blow of his departure after just one season in West Yorkshire. Joe Rothwell’s arrival will bolster Daniel Farke’s squad in Kamara’s spot. According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal has been finalized for Kamara to move to Ligue 1 club Rennes this summer, with Leeds set to make a reasonable profit.
Leeds signed the steady 28-year-old for £5.5 million a year ago and are now selling him for around £8.5 million, making a profit of £3 million. Leeds plans to use this money to sign an adequate replacement for Kamara, with Rothwell already joining from AFC Bournemouth on loan to fill gaps in Farke’s camp.
Kamara’s wage demands also influenced Leeds’ decision. Despite not scoring a single goal last season, he earned more per week than key players Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto. If Kamara had stayed at Elland Road, he would have earned £22.5k per week, making him a higher earner than multiple key first-teamers. Summerville and Gnonto, who made a combined 79 appearances last season, earn £20k and £15k per week, respectively, and may seek higher wages if a big move becomes a reality this summer.
Summerville, in particular, might seek a major move for a higher salary, having contributed 29 goals in the Championship last season. Gnonto also had notable moments, scoring eight goals in the 23/24 season despite initially demanding a transfer and refusing to play.
Losing both Summerville and Gnonto would be a significant blow to Leeds, while Kamara’s departure is less problematic. Kamara, described as a “machine” by former Leeds legend Jermaine Beckford during a 1-0 win over Leicester City last season, is not as crucial to replace.
Leeds won’t view losing Kamara as a disaster. With a profit made and a high earner off the books, the Whites are looking to add more recruits ahead of the new season.
