It’s been a long time since Leeds United featured in the Premier League, but with Argentine Marcelo Bielsa in charge, that might be about to change.
It is sure to be an interesting season next term for the West Yorkshire club. Marcelo Bielsa comes to the club with quite a reputation behind him. His obsessive approach to preparation and unique tactical approach set him well apart from the majority of other managers.
Bielsa favours a 3-3-1-3 formation utilising a hook, or an ‘enganche’ between midfield and attack. He also demands a high press and versatility from his players. The Argentine has claimed to have watched all 51 of Leeds United’s games from last season, a surprise only to those not familiar with his obsessive approach.
Whilst the arrival of the manager has caused some fanfare, things have been relatively quiet on the transfer front. Bielsa has solved the issue between the sticks with the season-long loan of Jamal Blackman from Chelsea. On the outfield front however, things have been all too quiet for Leeds United fans liking.
With that in mind, here are three players Leeds could sign which would surely seal a return to the Premier League…
Sheffield Wednesday have a bloated squad particularly in the forward area.
One player Bielsa should be taking a serious look at is Gary Hooper, who is quite simply the proven goal scorer Leeds United are crying out for. Hooper is now 30 years of age and would slot straight in to the starting line up for Bielsa. With the right energy and supply behind him, Hooper could prove absolutely prolific for the Whites.
Leeds United should do everything to get the player to make a South Yorkshire to West Yorkshire switch.
Derby County flying forward Matej Vydra would be a signing which would help the club seal a return to the Premier League.
A pacy forward, with skill on the ball, Vydra has the energy that is required in a Bielsa team. Able to play both wide and central roles, he also has the versatility that Bielsa craves in his players.
Alongside a player such as Kemar Roofe, Leeds United would have a really dangerous forward line, which would be capable of scoring goals against any team in the Championship.
Leeds United should seize upon Aston Villa’s financial issues and try and steal one of their star players.
Irishman Conor Hourihane is a top talent for the second tier. The left sided midfielder is valued at £3.6m by transfermarkt, but with Villa’s well publicised financial problems, the Whites may be able to get Hourihane for less than this figure.
The bright talent will weigh in with both goals and assists, and really make the Leeds side tick. If they manage to pull of a Transfer of this calibre, fans of the Elland Road outfit might truly start to dream of a Premier League return.
