Leeds United are reportedly hoping to ensure that Marcelo Bielsa stays at Elland Road for a second season.
According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds’ recruitment team are likely to focus much of their attention of Premier League loans again this summer, despite criticism of their transfer record over the last two windows.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side came agonisingly close to sealing promotion to the Premier League. And the fans would be forgiven for feeling that better signings in the summer and in January would have made all the difference as Bielsa turned what appeared to be a mediocre mid-table squad into promotion favourites in a matter of months.
Jack Harrison was the only addition to make more than 30 Championship appearances, while the likes of Izzy Brown, Lewis Baker and Jamal Blackman – who were all signed on loan from Chelsea – barely featured at all.
Nevertheless, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the Whites’ recruitment team are likely to prioritise looking for potential loan signings from the top flight again this summer.
The report adds that Jamie Shackleton and Ryan Edmondson are amongst the under-23 stars set to receive more prominent roles under Bielsa next season, should the head coach commit to staying around next year.
Leeds’ reported transfer strategy may leave plenty of supporters feeling underwhelmed or disappointed. But their dealings in the transfer market was not the only reason that they could not get across the line.
There is surely no way that Leeds can have as much bad luck with injuries as they had this past year. And if focusing on loan deals ensures that none of their key players leave Elland Road this summer, then there is surely every chance that Bielsa can lead the team over the hurdle that they could not clear this time around.
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