 | McKenzie has lost another star player |
Leeds chairman Professor John McKenzie has vented his fury at Harry Kewell and the player's camp after the Australian completed his move to Liverpool.
McKenzie is furious at the chain of events which have led to the cash-strapped Elland Road club receiving a net sum of just �3m for Kewell.
Kewell is one of the Premiership's most highly-rated players but McKenzie felt the need to sell him because he could have gone for nothing when his contract expired at the end of next season.
"Whilst I have no intention of entering a debate with those who seek to justify their own position in gaining large sums of money from Leeds United, I can say that I am angry and frustrated at the outrageous situation that has developed over the last week," said McKenzie.
|  Sadly, the PLC felt it had no alternative but to accept the paltry sum |
"The reality is that on Friday 4 July I agreed a deal of �7m with Liverpool Football Club, which Kewell and his agent refused to countenance.
"Instead they made a condition of not doing a Bosman that we pay �2m to Kewell's representatives, and Liverpool Football Club then reduced the fee to �5m.
"What happened to the remaining �2m, I believe I know, but only Liverpool or Harry Kewell could tell you.
"The PLC was therefore faced with the alternative of taking the net �3m (plus �2.5m in wages) to enable Peter Reid to strengthen the squad or getting next to nothing, if rather like Lee Bowyer, Kewell did a Bosman.
"And in Kewell's case, given his outburst on television and his indication he has been talking to Liverpool for six months, it would be impossible for him to play for Leeds ever again.
"So, sadly, the PLC felt it had no alternative but to accept the paltry sum." Kewell's agent Bernie Mandic has rubbished McKenzie's accusations and has warned that he may take legal action against Leeds.
Mandic points out that Leeds should have no argument with Kewell's �5m price-tag as he claims McKenzie had already agreed to let the Australian go for that sum.
"If Professor McKenzie wants to throw stones then he needs to remember the very documentation he signed as recently as late June," said Mandic.
"If he wants to make wild, outrageous statements then fair enough.
"This was not a money-driven decision by Harry Kewell. The fact Leeds are trying to turn it into that is a problem for Leeds.
"My legal people will wait for Leeds to continue along their path, and once they dig themselves deeply into it, then we will take the appropriate action.
"You have to remember this is a player who cost them nothing, has given them great service for nine seasons, and was due for his testimonial year next season.
"I think Leeds have got a lot from Harry, don't you?"
MMIX
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