Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Leeds are fully intent on extending Marcelo Bielsa’s time at the club.
What’s the story?
The Argentine has come to signing one-year rolling contracts at Elland Road, and inevitably that always raises questions towards the end as to whether he will put pen to paper on a new deal.
Reports in recent days and weeks have even thrown former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri’s name into the equation, but Romano has insisted that the Italian is not on Leeds’ radar, and that Bielsa is the man they want in charge for the foreseeable future.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said: “I’m told that they are planning with him and that they are doing their best to keep him. They want to go on with him and are doing their best to convince Bielsa. What I’m told is that there is nothing with Allegri, and that he’s looking for something different.
“All respect to Leeds, but Allegri is looking to win titles and was one of the best managers in Serie A, and is looking for top, top clubs. Leeds is an amazing project but they are happy with Marcelo Bielsa. I think, yes, they will go on with him and are planning with him. It’s up to Bielsa, we know he’s a particular as a person and not just as a manager. But let’s see what happens in the coming weeks.”
Radrizzani must act now
Make no mistake about it, if there’s one priority for Andrea Radrizzani when it comes to this summer, then tying down Bielsa to a new deal at Elland Road simply has to be it.
The Argentine has been the catalyst for Leeds’ revival over these past few years, leading them to the Premier League after so many years away and already establishing them as a force with which to be reckoned within it.
Bielsa has very much built himself as the face of the Yorkshire club, and it’s incredibly difficult to imagine a time without him sitting down on his chair in the dugout and barking out instructions constantly.
Making sure he signs a new contract would send a hugely important message about Leeds’ plans for the future, and act as a welcome boost to the playing squad too, most of whom have been on that long journey from the Championship to the top flight.
Meanwhile, Leeds must surely regret selling this star…