Leeds have finally confirmed the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds United have finally confirmed the appointment of Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa and the former Athletic Bilbao and Marseille manager should put one of his former Bilbao starlets at the top of his shortlist.
Ibai Gomez was an up-and-coming attacker in Bilbao’s squad during Bielsa’s two-year stay with Basque club. The 62-year-old manager gave the Spanish winger his breakthrough into senior football.
Gomez was given his Europa League and Copa Del Rey debuts by Bielsa and went on to become a regular in Bilbao’s side under the former Argentina boss.
During the 2011-12 season – Bielsa’s first – Gomez made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice. But it was his second season under the new Leeds boss that saw him fly, with five goals and 12 assists in 2012-13.
He went on to make 145 appearances for Bilbao, renowned a tricky winger with plenty of speed and skill, but an also an eye for goal. Now, he could be available this summer.
That is because his contract at La Liga said Alaves – whom he joined in 2016 – is set to end in the summer of 2019. Alaves could look to sell Gomez, then, in order to avoid losing him on a free next summer.
Gomez has been in very good form this season, scoring seven La Liga goals and turning provider a further six times in 34 La Liga outings. Leeds need a player that can excite them in attack from out wide, and Gomez would be that player.
Add his prior connection to Bielsa, someone who Gomez is sure to respect highly after giving him his chance at Bilbao, and the duo could be match made in heaven at Elland Road as Leeds look to gain promotion back to the Premier League.
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