Leeds United will be keen to ensure they can keep the majority of their key players this summer. Both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha have been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road, though with the Whites looking to improve on last season’s struggles, keeping those two is vital.
Leeds have been no stranger to controversial departures in the past during their days in the Premier League, particularly when the club were struggling financially. So with that in mind, here is a look at five of the most acrimonious from their time in the top-flight.
Eric Cantona to Man United
After less than a year at Leeds, Eric Cantona handed in a transfer request after being dropped for the 3-0 win over Arsenal in November 1992. That was seen as the tipping point for Cantona’s relationship with then manager Howard Wilkinson, who had guided them to the final Division One title.
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The Frenchman reportedly stated his desire to move to one of Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool. When it was confirmed that he was heading to Old Trafford, it did not sit well among Leeds supporters.
Rio Ferdinand to Man United
The second player on this list to make the switch to Man United, who became the world’s most expensive defender for a second time upon his exit from Leeds. This was around the time when the Whites’ financial issues had begun to take a turn for the worse.
Leeds managed to acquire a fee of upwards of £30 million for Ferdinand but losing one of their best players to the Red Devils was something that was difficult to stomach for supporters.
Jonathan Woodgate to Newcastle United
Jonathan Woodgate’s sale to Newcastle United caused all sorts of internal trouble at Leeds, after he had previously been described as the club’s ‘jewel in the crown’. However, due to Leeds’ spiralling financial issues, he was sold for £9 million.
At the time manager Terry Venables was reportedly fuming with the sale, which ultimately caused him to lose his job. But he wasn’t the only one, as thousands of Leeds supporters also expressed their anger at his departure.
Alan Smith to Man United
Perhaps the most controversial of them all on this list is Alan Smith’s move to Man United. Smith had previously stated publicly that he would never play for the Red Devils but made the switch upon Leeds’ relegation to the Championship.
Smith was faced with a difficult situation at the time, as Leeds faced going into administration due to their financial problems. Some reports claim that Man United were the only interested club prepared to pay money up front, which is why Smith ended up at Old Trafford.
James Milner to Newcastle United
James Milner was seen as the future of Leeds following his breakthrough into the first team at the age of just 16. He had signed a five-year deal with the club in February 2003 and after a one-month loan spell at Swindon Town at the start of 2003/04 season, returned to the Whites with the club in disarray.
Milner became a regular for Leeds but could not stop them being relegated to the Championship. Chairman Gerald Krasner had insisted Milner would be kept, despite relegation, but due to crippling financial worries was sold to Newcastle for £5 million even though it was his preference to remain at Elland Road.
