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Andy Yiadom pursuit shows Victor Orta does not have Leeds transfer autonomy
Reports this week have suggested that Leeds United are on the hunt for a new defender in the summer.
Leeds’ interest in Barnsley full-back Andy Yiadom. The 26-year-old right-back, who can also operate as a winger, is out of contract at Barnsley in the summer.
The Ghanaian international is set to be offered a deal by Leeds which would reunite him with former Tykes boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Whilst Yiadom is not a mind-blowing target, he is one which will please Leeds fans, not only because the club are desperately in need of defensive recruits this summer.
It highlights that director of football Victor Orta does not have autonomy over transfers at the club.
The Spaniard arrived at Leeds in the summer amid a restructuring under new owner Andrea Radrizzani.
Having previously held similar roles at Sevilla, Zenit St Petersburg and Middlesbrough much was expected under Orta’s guidance.
However, Leeds fans have not been impressed by a number of the recruits they believe Orta was responsible for.
With the summer approaching Leeds fans want to see players with Championship experience coming in to help the Whites in their pursuit of promotion.
Now it seems Heckingbottom does have a say in transfer business at Elland Road. The former Barnsley boss is behind the hunt for Yiadom.
It will certainly not be a surprise if he is soon chasing other players from the second-tier.
Heckingbottom has not managed to turn around Leeds fortunes since replacing Thomas Christiansen in January.
Leeds are, therefore, set to finish the season in mid-table and the building for next season can start now.
Orta will, of course, still be operating some control over transfers and if he can bring in more players like Samuel Saiz, Leeds will be pleased.
But blending his penchant for finding players from Europe with Heckingbottom’s knowledge of the Football League might be the best avenue for Leeds to take in their hunt for the best transfers this summer.
Hopefully, Yiadom will sign on, and be just the first player with his background to find their way to Elland Road this summer.