According to reports, Leeds United are holding talks with former Argentina gaffer Marcelo Bielsa. Leeds sacked Paul Heckingbottom after just 16 games due to poor results that saw the club finish 13th in the Championship, 15 points adrift of top-six.
After Heckingbottom’s sacking, the club’s Italian owner is searching for a manager, with Bielsa reportedly considered for the job.
The Argentine has been without a job since December, after being sacked by French outfit Lille under controversial circumstances. Bielsa is known for his attacking and exciting brand of football that has seen him garner a lot of adulation and praise from all corners of the globe.
Should Bielsa get the managerial job at Leeds, here are three players he should sign to make Leeds a force to reckon with next season.
Issa Diop (Toulouse)
Issa Diop is currently playing in Ligue 1 and he is known for being one of Toulouse’s most consistent players. At the age of 21, Diop has shown immense maturity and leadership skills that set him apart from his peers.
The Frenchman has immense potential but he needs the right manager to reach his best. Bielsa must take note of Diop’s talent and try to get him to Elland Road. Strong and powerful with a no-nonsense approach, Diop can be a future star for Leeds.
Adama Traore (Middlesbrough)
Adama Traore had a fantastic season in the Championship, scoring 5 goals and assisting 12 in all competitions. His performances helped Middlesbrough reach the playoffs where they ultimately fell short against his former club Aston Villa.
He is just 22 and has a lot of room for development. Traore is a bright young winger who could potentially prove to be a hit at Leeds. But if he is to make things work at Elland Road, the ex-Barcelona youngster will need to find the end product.
Traore’s energy, work-rate and pace could make him a perfect fit for Bielsa’s high-press demands in his favoured 3-3-3-1 formation.
Abel Hernandez (Hull City)
Hull City striker Abel Hernandez took to Twitter in order to confirm that he is leaving the club after the end of his contract in summer.
The Uruguayan’s announcement will come as a massive boost to Leeds, as the West Yorkshire club are reportedly interested in luring him to Elland Road.
Hernandez ended the season with 8 Championship goals to his name but he is capable of scoring more, provided he gets to work with the right manager. And Bielsa could be the ideal choice to hone his talent at Leeds. If Leeds manage to sign Hernandez this summer, it would be a massive coup.