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Middlesbrough fans react to sporting director exit, red flag for Leeds United?

Middlesbrough fans (REUTERS)
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Middlesbrough have said goodbye to Victor Orta, who has been tipped to join Leeds.

General view of Middlesbrough's Riverside stadiumGeneral view of Middlesbrough’s Riverside stadium

Middlesbrough fans have welcomed Victor Orta’s exit from the club after an announcement he has left his role as head of recruitment.

Orta was brought to Boro to work alongside former boss Aitor Karanka, who was sacked in March with the club deep in the relegation mire.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor KarankaSacked… Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka

Middlesbrough did not survive the drop, and Orta’s recruits were seen as one of the central reasons behind their struggles.

While big names were brought in, like Alvaro Negredo, Gaston Ramirez and Victor Valdes, Boro struggled to score goals and never really clicked in the Premier League, or put up much of a fight.

Other signings like Aston Villa’s Brad Guzan and Rudy Gestede were simply perplexing.

Middlesbrough's Alvaro NegredoMiddlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo

Middlesbrough's Rudy Gestede looks dejected after the matchMiddlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede looks dejected

Orta could go quickly into another job, with the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting Leeds United plan to bring him on board to head up their recruitment.

Leeds have just been taken over by Andrea Radrizzani, who has appointed Orta’s fellow Spaniard Ivan Bravo to the Elland Road board.

Orta certainly has pedigree, having worked at Sevilla and Zenit St Petersburg, but his Middlesbrough experience is not among his finest work.

Middlesbrough fans have been having their say on his departure, and their reaction has to be a red flag to Leeds United supporters, wondering if he will be a benefit to head coach Garry Monk.

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