Ex-Leeds United Winger Lee Sharpe has today highlighted the importance of Sunday’s mouthwatering Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium against Southampton.
United’s emphatic 4-0 win over manager Daniel Farke’s former club, Norwich City, on Thursday, will give them a huge confidence boost ahead of the most financially lucrative game in English football at the weekend. Victory will be worth an estimated £260,000,000 and guarantee a place in the top flight for the 2024/season.
Russell Martin’s Southampton will also go into this game on a high after overcoming West Brom on Friday night with a comfortable 3-1 win. After winning both of the meetings between them and Leeds in the league, The Saints will feel as though they have a real chance to secure Premier League football next season.
However, in a Real EFL exclusive, courtesy of William Hill, Sharpe was keen to highlight that defeat on Sunday could have huge negative implications at Elland Road next year if they stay down, with question marks over financial security and key player futures:
“If you go up, they all want to be Premier League players, if you don’t, big teams come in with more money, and that is why the game is so big,” said Sharpe. “It can be virtually a rebuild if you stay in the Championship.”
Leeds United have already had concrete transfer interest recently, with Newcastle United and Liverpool among a whole host of clubs interested in talisman Crysencio Summerville this summer. There is a strong case to be made that with his 20 league goals and nine assists, he would not be at the club next term should they fail to clinch promotion. However, the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season is one of many players who could leave the club if they do remain in the second tier, which adds extra importance to the final this weekend.
Sharpe, who made 30 appearances in an injury-filled spell in Yorkshire, was also keen to highlight the benefits of how this squad would do in the Premier League after last week saw all three promoted sides relegated straight back to the second tier.
“They know exactly what to expect in the Premier League, and I think the Championship has made them a stronger unit.”
“Everybody loved watching them under Bielsa, but the squad was not deep enough. It’s whether they can keep hold of the stronger players and strengthen right.“
“They are in a far better position to stay up now than they were a few years ago.“
Leeds were surprisingly relegated under Sam Allardyce 12 months ago on 31 points, while Southampton were rooted to the bottom of the table, having only managed 25 points. Daniel Farke’s side has kept the most clean sheets across the Championship season and will hope they can secure one final shut-out against The Saints despite the threat that will be caused by 21-goal forward Adam Armstrong.
However, many Leeds fans believe they belong in England’s top flight, and they will hope for jubilant scenes both outside Wembley Stadium and in West Yorkshire at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
With so much riding on the game, it is important to consider how the club will move forward, whether this long, exhausting season ends in celebration or disappointment, as former player Lee Sharpe pointed out.
