Leeds United have been linked with a move for the Spanish midfielder.
According to a report from Leonoticias, Leeds United are a potential destination for Spanish midfielder Mario Ortiz this summer, but the 28-year-old is not what the Whites need as they bid to return to the Premier League in 2018.
Ortiz is signed to the Aspire Academy in Qatar – an organisation whose general director is Leeds’ recently appointed director of football Victor Orta.
Through that link, Ortiz is being linked with a potential summer switch to Leeds, but Whites fans may be wary that what once happened with Italian-based players could soon be the same with Spaniards.
Leeds certainly need more quality in key areas, one of which is the centre of the park, but what they really need are more goal-scorers; creative catalysts who can ease the burden on top scorer Chris Wood while also laying on regular chances for the New Zealand international.
The goal-return of Leeds’ central midfielders this season was nothing short of abysmal and whoever takes over from Garry Monk will need to change that sooner rather than later.
Leeds already have effective holding options in Liam Bridcutt and Ronaldo Vieira, and with Eunan O’Kane also on their books they do not need a 28-year-old who is being shifted from one Aspire-affiliated club to another.
Ortiz is a central midfielder by trade, although he has played deeper and in a more attacking role at times, but a return of five goals and one assist in 150 club appearances is not the kind of form to set Leeds fans’ pulses racing.
Ortiz is not good enough for Leeds, and the club will be hoping Orta does not start using them simply to give some of his Aspire-linked players sufficient game time.
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