Nigel Martyn claims Leeds United paid £12 million to sign a player from Liverpool, which was a mistake.
Leeds United overspent in the early 2000s, which naturally resulted in the team going into administration in 2003 and eventual relegation in 2004. something from which the club was unable to bounce back. While Peter Ridsdale was controlling the team and spent money Leeds didn’t have, the team reached the pinnacles of the Champions League, defeated AC Milan at Elland Road, and won the San Siro thanks to Dom Matteo’s header.
Leeds struggled financially after missing out on Europe, and eventually they were unable to reimburse the expenses. After spending a fortune on players, including the signing of Robbie Fowler, a striker, Leeds was forced to sell. In the summer of 2001, Leeds spent nearly £40 million on three players, including £12 million on Fowler. Robbie Keane cost more than that, and Seth Johnson—one of the worst Leeds acquisitions ever—cost about £10 million.