Leeds United’s sudden upsurge under Garry Monk rejuvenated the supporters after years of misfortune, but the unforeseen step down of the Swansea City legend brought the Whites back to square one. Thomas Christiansen, Monk’s successor, failed to keep up the good work at Elland Road despite a bright start and his dismissal midway through the previous campaign could not avoid yet another mid-table finish like before.
Paul Heckingbottom, the ex-Barnsley boss, claimed only four wins in his less than four-month stint, yet their long-pending Premier League return received a massive boost when club owner Andrea Radrizzani convinced iconic Marcelo Bielsa to take charge for the once esteemed English outfit.
The 62-year-old former Argentina and Chile chief is likely to influence the market while bringing in new resources to West Yorkshire. The Argentine, known as one of the pioneers of modern-day football, is on a mission of guiding the Championship side to script a top-tier return and a reported £20m transfer war chest will allow him to reconfigure the depleted squad.
The Peacocks, meanwhile, received a huge blow in pursuit of Venezia midfield general Leo Stulac who is set for a move to newly promoted Serie A outfit Parma. Bielsa is keen on recruiting a deep-lying playmaker and the form of the Slovenian in Serie B football made Stulac one of Leeds’ prime summer transfer targets. However, they will need to switch their attention elsewhere now and we, the T40 team, have shortlisted three names who are quality options as well as available for a reasonable price.
Fernando Gago
Age: 32
Current Club: Boca Juniors
Nationality: Argentina
The veteran Argentine missed out the World Cup through a devastating knee injury but is set to be fit prior to the upcoming campaign. Although he is in his thirties, the former Real Madrid midfielder still holds all traits to pull the strings from a deep-lying role and his experience will be massive in Bielsa’s Leeds revolution. A transfer to the second tier of English League needs auxiliary efforts, but El Loco’s influence might lead Leeds to pursue a move for Gago, thus, upgrade their show in the middle of the park.
Aron Gunnarsson
Age: 29
Current Club: Cardiff City
Nationality: Iceland
Iceland’s story has moved the football fanatics across the globe and this man, Gunnarsson, has exhibited his leadership skills to make a mark in the ongoing World Cup campaign. The midfield general has been a towering figure for the Bluebirds since past seven seasons but is likely to move out upon expiration of his contract this month despite guiding Cardiff to earn a Premier League promotion. His decision might have baffled many, but Leeds must take advantage of the situation and convince him to portrait his true leadership skills at Elland Road. The player is well aware of Championship football, therefore, will be key in their promotion battle banking on his quality, experience and commitment on the pitch.
Jake Livermore
Age: 28
Current Club: West Bromwich Albion
Country: England
Might seem a little ambitious, but the Baggies midfielder can still be convinced to switch his allegiance to another Championship side having relegated from Premier League. Livermore has seven senior appearances for the Three Lions and is lauded for his calmness on the ball, close control, holding traits, the range of passing and vision. He prefers to control the flow from deep down the midfield and maintained his composure for Hull City and also for West Brom despite being demoted to the second tier.
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The former Tottenham Hotspur prodigy had a short stint on loan at Elland Road seven years back, but he is now an experienced individual who earned admiration through his silent show and should be persuaded by the Peacocks who are chasing glory under El Loco.
