As per one of the latest reports by The Express, Leeds United are planning to sign free agent, Alfredo Ortuno. The Spaniard is bereft of an employer at this stroke of hour after leaving Real Valladolid earlier this season. However, there is a twist in the prospective deal, as it is perceived that the Whites would make him sign on the dotted line to cater to the need of La Liga 2 side, Cultural Leonesa.
Leonesa and Leeds United have shared camaraderie in recent times, with the latter’s defensive midfielder, Ouasim Bouy, currently undergoing a loan spell with the former. It is to noted that La Cultu are owned by Qatari group, Aspire Academy, and their CEO, Ivan Bravo, is holds a place amongst the board of directors at the Elland Road. If a deal pans out among Ortuno and Leeds United, the striker is expected to be shipped out immediately to their partner club, Leonesa.
Ortuno might not be a household name but he is a decent striker who has the potential to bring some quality up front for the Spanish outfit. The 26-year-old has played for clubs such as Palmas, Granada, Real Zaragora and Girona and has plenty of experience of Spanish football under his belt. He was on loan with Cadiz last season, during which he collected 17 goals to his name in the Spanish second tier.
Leonesa started the 2017-18 campaign in a decent manner but have been struggled as the season progressed. La Leonesa have won just 1 of their last 14 games in the league and are currently placed at the 15th spot in the league table with 22 points to their name after 19 games. They must start to produce fruitful results if they are to avoid being relegation.
Ortuno has a good record in La Liga 2, having scored 41 goals in 141 appearances and considering that Leeds United and Aspire Academy are desirous to do their bit to save Leonesa from getting demoted in their first season back in the second division, this move will make a lot of sense. To enhance the development of relationship between these two clubs, it would be a good gesture from the Yorkshire-based club.
The Peacocks have recently signed Japanese midfielder, Yosuke Ideguchi, form Gamba Osaka but owing to the likelihood that he would not be handed a work permit, Diario de Leon has reported that he is likely to be shipped out to Leonesa to keep himself in the right shape as well as to help Leonesa in their endeavours.
