Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa seemingly felt that Newcastle United paid too much for Joe Willock by forking out £25million for him.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that Bielsa has been known to tell Leeds to avoid certain deals due to the finances involved.
One such move was Willock, who could have provided great energy as well as a major goal threat from midfield for Bielsa’s side.
Willock smashed eight goals in just 14 games on loan at Newcastle in the second half of last season, so maybe Victor Orta fancied bringing him to Elland Road.
Ultimately though, it’s believed that Bielsa thinks the £25million Newcastle paid is far too much and advised Leeds to avoid a move.
Chief executive Angus Kinnear agrees, publicly stating that Willock is a great talent but is too expensive for Leeds’ blood at £25million having not proven himself yet.
Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien has been a target too, but even the £8million asking price for him is considered a little too much; Leeds value him at £4million.
The Whites are clearly sticking to their valuations on players and won’t be drawn into bidding wars for the players they want.
Leeds’ approach in the transfer market has seen them land players like Junior Firpo, Robin Koch and Raphinha, and they’re more than prepared to walk away from the likes of Willock if they don’t like the valuation.
Willock will have a chance to show Leeds exactly how good he is next month though, as Newcastle will host Bielsa’s side on September 17th.
Willock would surely love to score in that game and show Bielsa just how good he is – and maybe pay back some of that £25million fee in the process.
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