Bielsa sent a signed Leeds shirt to the ex-Liverpool star.
Marcelo Bielsa watched Leeds United’s promotion charge suffer a wake-up call on Saturday evening as the Whites were blown away by West Bromwich Albion, and a boost is needed.
That could come in the form of the January transfer window by bringing in a player that can reinstate the excitement and enthusiasm among supporters, and Bielsa will know just the man to do that.
The Argentine boss has a strong connection with Newell’s Old Boys, after playing for the Argentinian side in 1977 before managing the club for two years between 1990 and 1992.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported last month that he had donated £3million from his own pocket to the club to help them build a new training complex. But it is his most recent example of affinity could be poignant.
Bielsa sent a signed Leeds shirt to Newell’s legend Maxi Rodriguez, which was posted on the club’s English Twitter page. The former Liverpool winger and 57-time Argentina international played more than 200 times for Bielsa’s former side.
Rodriguez, 37, is currently turning out for Uruguayan side Penarol, where he has a contract until December 31. Leeds should take advantage of that by convincing the former Anfield man to provide a final swansong – getting Leeds promoted.
Though Rodriguez is sure to be considering retirement sooner rather than later, he may be looking for one last stint and Bielsa should use his connection with Newell’s Old Boys and indeed the signed shirt to convince him to move to Yorkshire.
A signing of that stature would provide huge excitement among the Elland Road crowd, and give the Whites an experienced, but quality addition out wide.
Despite his age, Rodriguez certainly has not lost his quality. With 15 goals and five assists in 49 outings for Penarol, the winger has what it takes to boost Leeds’ promotion hopes.
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