Leeds United, once a prestigious top-flight English side, lost their relevance for more than a decade time following an administrative oversight that demoted them as a mere mid-table Championship outfit. But Andrea Radrizzani, their current owner, seems to be a man who loves the game, sensible and determined to restore the lost pride at Elland Road.
The appointment of Garry Monk as Leeds chief did wonder in West Yorkshire, but a denial of extending his stay last year brought the Whites back to a mid-table place who were supposed to be one of the prime playoff aspirants following a massive leap in the right direction a season before.
Thomas Christiansen failed to deliver despite a bright start whereas Paul Heckingbottom, his successor, only clinched four wins in his four-month spell while concluding the last campaign. He now has been replaced by iconic Argentine Marcelo Bielsa, the 62-year-old veteran, who is adored as one of the pioneers of modern-day football. His fame and legacy will hand the Peacocks a major boost while chasing the summer targets and the players, too, are likely to prefer working under El Loco over joining the fellow Championship counterparts.
Abel Hernandez, the 27-year-old Uruguayan international, is one such resource available on a Bosman transfer upon his contract expiration at Hull City and his successful stint in the second-tier of English football made him a man in demand among Premier League new boys Cardiff City as well as Cagliari Calcio – the Serie A outfit who have offered him a return to Italian football where he excelled with Palermo before plying his trade to England.
Bielsa has reportedly sanctioned a move for the experienced centre-forward who missed out the majority of the last term with a knee strain but netted 8 times in 10 league games maintaining his supremacy in front of goal.
Leeds failed to replace their hitman Chris Wood last season who left for Burnley and Pierre-Michael Lasogga, the loanee from Hamburger SV, failed to replace the New Zealand international in a ‘number 9’ role. He has returned to his parent club already and is unlikely to be recalled in West Yorkshire next season. Caleb Ekuban has been a massive disappointment too and the addition of Hernandez, hence, will be a significant transfer business to instigate a revamp high up the pitch.
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Hernandez will add goals if stays fit and his record in Championship football will only be enhanced under Bielsa – the fellow Latin American who will grind the best football out of the Uruguayan.
