Leeds United look set to appoint Mikel Antia to Javi Gracia’s coaching staff as the former Newcastle United man returns to England.
That’s according to Leeds Live, who report that Antia is one of three Spanish coaches set to join new boss Gracia at Elland Road.
Former Sheffield Wednesday defender Zigor Aranalde is one of them having worked with Gracia at Watford, Valencia and Al Sadd.
Juan Solla – who has followed Gracia around since way back in 2007 – is also heading to Leeds.
Then there is Antia, is understood to have returned to England alongside Gracia.
Antia and Gracia played together at Real Sociedad in the last 1990’s though and look set to reunite.
That’s four Spaniards coming into Leeds with the goal of keeping the club in the Premier League and away from relegation.
Who is Leeds United-bound Mikel Antia?
Antia hails from San Sebastian in the Basque region – the same region Gracia and Aranalde are from too.
Antia started his playing career with Real Madrid though, turning out for their B team before heading to Celta Vigo.
A centre back in his playing days, Antia ended up with Valladolid, Real Sociedad – where he played with Gracia – Numanica, Elche, Braga, Ponferradina and Real Union.
Antia got his coaching break with Real Union and Almeria before heading to manage the Aspire Academy in Qatar back in 2012.
After four years in Doha, Antia made his Premier League move as he joined Rafael Benitez’s staff at Newcastle United.
Antia was hailed as ‘very talented coach’ by Benitez and the pair joined forces at their next club, Dalian Professional in China.
Antia’s last job came in Major League Soccer as he assisted Miguel Angel Ramirez at Charlotte FC.
The 50-year-old’s Premier League experience may be vital for Gracia here and it’s somewhat ironic that Leeds are appointing one of Benitez’s trusted allies just days after going with Gracia over Benitez.
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