Leeds United collapsed like a house of cards in the business end of the 2016-17 campaign of the Sky Bet Championship which saw them lose out on a play-off spot. Under the tutelage of Garry Monk, the Whites pencilled a perception at the onset that they could get promoted to the English top division.
However, reality begged to differ as they withered away right at the death and allowed Fulham to clinch the sixth spot in the Championship table. The scenes at the Elland Road aren’t really invigorating as the expectations of the Leeds United faithful did bite the dust.
Nonetheless, it would be important for the Peacocks to not lose their grip further and instead, they should look forward to attempting for a promotion spot in the upcoming campaign. With Monk’s departure, it is not only the need to fill the managerial hot-seat which is bothering the West Yorkshire based club but the fact that Kyle Bartley has returned back to Swansea City after a successful loan spell coupled with the inconvenient scene created in respect to the future of Charlie Taylor implies that defence would be one of the key areas which need to addressed this summer.
Giuseppe Bellusci should be one of the options which Leeds United should consider for their central defensive slot, to be stationed alongside Pontus Jansson. Bellusci was shipped out on loan to Serie A outfit, Empoli, but failed to save the Italian side from the clutches of relegation.
The 27-year-old mustered 33 appearances in the Italian top tier last term, during which he impressed in patches as he scored a goal and registered 1.5 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 5.5 clearances and 1 block per game on an average and reports have emerged that Bologna is attempting to acquire his services.
In a scenario like this one, it wouldn’t really make much sense if Leeds United decide to sell Bellusci, considering that they are in a dire need of a centre-back themselves. The former Catania defender might not be amongst the elites in the business but he does have a decent Championship experience with the Whites as he piled 61 appearances with the club before being sent to Italy.
Along with his disciplinary issues and ineptness in having the upper hand during the aerial duels, Bellusci is a fine interceptor and tackler, reads the game well and after getting adequate game time under his belt with Empoli to brush himself up, he should be handed another chance to excel at Leeds United next season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
