Leeds United could conceivably make a move for Andoni Iraola this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Spanish coach was reportedly the club’s top target prior to Javi Gracia’s appointment as manager last month.
Gracia is on what has been described as a ‘flexible contract’, with some reports suggesting that his deal only runs until the end of the season. If that is the case, Leeds could be back in the managerial market before too long.
Coincidentally, Iraola’s contract with Rayo Vallecano is set to expire in the summer, and his availability could be of interest to Leeds United. The Athletic report that Leeds could conceivably go back for Iraola, who was the man they wanted before a deal was blocked by Vallecano.
Iraola has had a successful career in coaching so far, having managed Mirandes, who reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals in 2020, and Rayo Vallecano, where he has led the club to the top half of the La Liga table this season.
Iraola’s ability to raise the level of these teams in competitive environments has caught the eye of Leeds, and they were very keen to appoint him after sacking Jesse Marsch.
Gracia has only just taken the job at Leeds, but the chance to hire the ‘incredible’ Vallecano manager in the summer could be tempting, especially if Gracia’s tenure proves to be rather uninspiring.
It is harsh to already be talking in these terms. After all, Gracia has managed one game in the league for Leeds and he won it, but it’s clear that he wasn’t the first choice to replace Marsch when he was sacked.
Leeds are currently in a relegation battle, sitting just one point above the drop zone in 17th place. Gracia faces a tough task to keep the club afloat this season, but if he can comfortably guide the team to safety, he may be given the chance to continue building the team in the summer. However, if he scrapes through on the skin of his teeth, Iraola could be the man Leeds turn to.
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