Leeds United, once a prestigious top flight English club chasing the glory, witnessed a massive downfall due to administrative oversight and became a mere midtable Championship outfit. But the club seems to have achieved some stability in recent years, particularly after the complete takeover of Andrea Radrizzani – the young Italian businessman who came up with sensible decisions, intelligence and constructive plans at Elland Road. The Whites narrowly missed out a playoff spot under Garry Monk last year, but Monk’s stepping down as Leeds boss created a massive void once more.
He was succeeded by little known Thomas Christiansen – a gamble that did not work out despite early promises. Christiansen’s dismissal earlier this year saw ex-Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom grabbing the role. His span, however, was shortlived as well, but the man who has now replaced Heckingbottom in West Yorkshire is none other than iconic Argentine Marcelo Bielsa – a manager who is lauded as one of the greatest of all time and the pathfinder of modern football.
The 62-year-old former Argentina and Chile chief had a constructive discussion with Radrizzani before accepting the challenge and is reportedly set to be handed a £20 mil transfer kitty to reform the Leeds side and make them a prime promotion contender once more.
Although several new signings are likely to happen in next couple of months time, the Peacocks are actively pursuing the current players to commit their future signing new deals at Elland Road. Paudie O’Connor, the 20-year-old Irish centre-back, is the latest name to agree to a new contract which implies Bielsa’s interest on the little-known youngster who made four senior appearances towards the end of last season under Paul Heckingbottom.
A low-key signing from the Irish side Limerick last summer following a successful trial was promoted to first-team actions due to an injury crisis. But the player did not disappoint at all despite limited opportunities and showed he has the traits to earn a regular place in Leeds backline. The Peacocks had an underwhelming season, but O’Connor was one the four starlets who were nominated for Leeds United’s Young Player of The Year award.
Although he lost it out to custodian Bailey Peacocks-Farrell, the impression made by the Irishman has been good enough to earn a new contract which will now allow him to be a part of Bielsa’s revolution. Skipper Liam Cooper and Swedish star Pontus Jansson are likely to continue as their first-team centre-back options, however, the gaffer is likely to strengthen the backline with further defensive recruitment and keep O’Connor as a project player allowing him a sporadic role in order to settle in gradually and be enough ready for first-team football in the long run.
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