Leeds United, the esteemed English giants back in the 90s, lost their way completely in past decade and an administrative oversight eventually converted them into a mere Championship mid-table outfit. But the change of ownership at Elland Road has brought in a ray of hope among the dejected supporters who are once again dreaming of a brighter future following the announcement of iconic Marcelo Bielsa’s appointment as the new Whites boss.
Bielsa, the 62-year-old former Argentina and Chile chief has been convinced by club owner Andrea Radrizzani to accept the role and has reportedly offered him a £20m warchest to reconfigure their lineup that thoroughly underperformed the last term despite a promising start.
Although several fringe names are set to be offloaded with a view to trim down the squad size, Leeds United are already shortlisting their preferred options and readying offers with Bielsa’s approval. If reports are believed to be true, the Whites have joined the race to acquire AC Ajaccio left-back Manuel Cabit whose contract for the Ligue 2 side is set to expire this month.
The 25-year-old former Martinique youth international spent years in lower leagues of French football before completing a switch to the island of Corsica a couple of years ago and eventually earned a regular status for his current employers.
Cabit enjoyed an impressive run last season but failed to guide Ajaccio to securing a top-tier return following a heartbreak against Toulouse in the promotion playoff final. But he did enough to earn the attention of fellow counterparts including Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier HSC.
Leeds United, meanwhile, will offer him an opportunity to ply his trade to England and progress under Bielsa – a man who is adored as the pioneer of modern day football. Cabit is tall, has a strong physical presence and also capable of featuring in a central defensive role.
His attributes suit the approach of English Championship and the flexibility of El Loco’s football will allow the defender to excel as a versatile option. Both Gaetano Berardi and Laurens De Bock hold a higher profile in a left-back role, but adapting to Bielsa’s formation and tactical masterclass will be a massive challenge for the Leeds players.
Cabit, therefore, will be a shrewd business on a Bosman deal and the opportunity of playing for Bielsa will place Leeds ahead of fellow admirers while pursuing a deal.
