Former Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear Reveals ‘The Challenge’ Holding Clubs Back in the Transfer Market……….
Former Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear has opened up on what he believes is the biggest stumbling block facing clubs in today’s transfer market, warning that financial sustainability rules are forcing teams to rethink their strategies.
Kinnear, who stepped down from his post at Elland Road earlier this year, explained that the combination of inflated transfer fees, wage demands, and tighter regulations under Financial Fair Play (FFP) has created what he calls “the challenge” for recruitment teams across Europe.
According to the former Leeds executive, many clubs are now caught between ambition and compliance. “The challenge is not identifying the right talent or even convincing them to join,” Kinnear said. “The real obstacle is how clubs can finance these deals responsibly without breaching regulations that could lead to serious sanctions.”
He highlighted that clubs once willing to spend aggressively in pursuit of promotion or European football now face stricter monitoring. This has forced a shift toward developing younger players, striking loan agreements, or delaying big-money signings until financial conditions improve.
Kinnear also pointed to recent transfer windows where clubs with strong ambitions struggled to conclude deals despite interest in multiple targets. “It’s no longer just about whether the club can afford the transfer fee,” he noted. “It’s about whether the deal aligns with financial rules and long-term stability. That’s the balancing act holding a lot of clubs back.”
His comments reflect a growing concern within football, particularly in the Championship, where the gap between Premier League riches and second-tier realities is most apparent. Leeds themselves experienced this last summer, forced to negotiate departures and staggered payments in order to manage their squad rebuild following relegation.
While some fans may view the current landscape as frustrating, Kinnear suggested that the restrictions could benefit the game in the long run. “It might not be as exciting as a £50 million headline signing,” he said, “but it encourages smarter planning, reliance on academies, and ultimately more sustainable football.”
Kinnear’s remarks come as many clubs prepare for the January window, with pressure mounting to strengthen squads mid-season. His insight serves as a reminder that behind every transfer saga lies a complex financial framework that can either accelerate or stall progress.
For Leeds United and many others, the challenge Kinnear described may well define the shape of future transfer business.
