Leeds United are reportedly in talks to appoint the Argentine.
Leeds United are reportedly in talks to appoint Marcelo Bielsa as Paul Heckingbottom’s successor.
Having managed clubs in Argentina, Mexico, Spain and France- not to mention two international sides – the 62-year-old should have plenty of contacts to call upon if he arrives at Elland Road.
But could these three players, each of whom he has managed before, feature on his shopping list?
Baptiste Aloé (Valenciennes)
Properly introduced to Marseille’s first team by Bielsa, Aloé made all but one of his 15 appearances under the Argentine. The Provence giants loaned the centre-back to Valenciennes in the two campaigns following Bielsa’s departure and sold him to the Ligue 2 side last summer. With Leeds lacking in both quality and numbers in Aloé’s position, he could come into consideration.
Carlos Carmona (Colo Colo)
Elevated to Chile’s senior side while Bielsa was managing La Roja, Carmona has proceeded to win 50 caps for his country. The 31-year-old spent the bulk of his club career with Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, but is now back in his homeland after a short spell with near-namesakes Atlanta United in America’s MLS. A mobile defensive midfielder with an eye for a pass, Carmona could take Eunan O’Kane’s place, should Bielsa convince him to Leeds.
Ezequiel Ponce (Roma)
It was at Bielsa’s old club, Newell’s Old Boys, that Ponce emerged at the age of just 16, earning a £3.7 million move to Roma two years later. Bielsa took the striker to Lille last summer, although he struggled for the French side who are unlikely to take up their option for a permanent transfer. With his former boss at the helm, Ponce – a near-6ft centre-forward who scored prolifically at youth level – could be a good fit for Leeds.
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