da luck： Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Marcelo Bielsa is waiting for assurances over transfers before signing a new deal at Elland Road.
da doce： Bielsa has transformed Leeds since arriving at the club back in 2018, taking the Whites back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. And, under the 65-year-old, they look set to retain their status in English football’s top flight.
The Yorkshire outfit are not in any real sort of relegation danger, making this another successful campaign with Bielsa at the helm. One concern, however, will be the Argentinian’s expiring contract.
Bielsa’s current deal is up in the summer, and Palmer is convinced the ex-Lille and Marseille boss is holding off signing an extension until he finds out the club’s transfer plans. The retired England international told FFC in an exclusive interview:
“They’ll certainly bring players in if Bielsa stays. I think that’s why Bielsa hasn’t signed a new contract yet. I think he wants to get to the end of the season and sit down with the owners and see what money is available for him.
“I think Bielsa’s the type of manager, from what I’ve seen from him in the past, if he can’t see progression, he doesn’t see the point of staying — and that’s why he’s ended up moving so often.”
Last summer, Leeds were very active in the transfer window as Bielsa looked to strengthen his squad ahead of their Premier League campaign.
The likes of Raphinha, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch were all brought in, while Rodrigo was signed for big money, joining from Valencia for a club record £26m fee.