Leeds United fans have been left disappointed and frustrated after realizing that the cover stars of their newly released 2024 calendar have all left the club for Premier League teams. The Yorkshire club has faced heavy criticism from fans online, who feel that the sales of key players during the summer transfer window have rendered their official merchandise obsolete. Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, and Crysensio Summerville, who featured prominently on the calendar, have all departed Elland Road in favor of Premier League switches.
Rutter, who made a name for himself at Leeds, made a £40 million move to Brighton and Hove Albion. Summerville, another highly rated player, joined West Ham United for £30 million, while Gray made a big step up to join Tottenham Hotspur for the same price tag. The departure of these three players is not the only reason why the calendar is now outdated. Jamie Shackleton and Luke Ayling, who were also featured in the merchandise, have left the club on free transfers. Shackleton has joined Sheffield United, while Ayling has made a move to Middlesbrough.
Leeds fans took to social media to express their frustration and mock the situation. One fan sarcastically wrote, “Imagine launching a calendar only for everyone on the cover to leave before the season starts…” Another fan simply said, “Ouch!” The calendar mishap has become a source of amusement for many, with one person joking that it is now more like an Argos catalogue. Despite the disappointment, Leeds United has made significant financial gains from the sales of their star players, pocketing over £100 million in transfer fees.
However, the impact of these departures on the team’s performance cannot be ignored. Leeds United is yet to secure a victory this season, with two draws in the league and a 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup. The team has struggled to regain the form they displayed last season, and the absence of key players has undoubtedly been felt on the pitch. It remains to be seen how Leeds will cope with the loss of these talented individuals and whether they can find success in the Premier League without them.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by clubs when it comes to player transfers. While the financial gains can be substantial, there is also a risk of destabilizing the team and impacting their performance. It is a delicate balance to strike between financial success and on-field success. Leeds United now faces the task of rebuilding their squad and finding new players who can fill the void left by those who have departed. Only time will tell if they can overcome this setback and continue to compete at the highest level.