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TBR View: Leeds United transfer links to Argentina stars can largely be ignored in January

Mathew Nash

Sat 28 November 2020 7:45, UK

The January transfer window is fast approaching and Leeds United fans will undoubtedly be waiting for another deluge of transfer rumours. 

In the summer, following Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League, the Whites were linked with a host of potential new recruits. 

One dominating trend was links to Argentinian footballers. 

The likes of Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Juan Martinez Quarta, Nicolas Gonzalez, Adolfo Gaich, Juan Foyth, Sergio Romero, and Matias Zaracho were all linked with a potential move to Elland Road. 

The reason why is clear. Leeds United are managed by famed Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa. 

But the one frustrating and frankly annoying aspect of those continued Leeds rumours linking the club with Argentinian players is that Bielsa has little to do with the identification of transfer targets.

Victor Orta does the recruitment, presenting his findings to Bielsa who can then give his final approval. 

It is telling that there are currently no Argentine players in the Leeds United first-team at present. 

There are, however, several Spanish players, such as new signings Rodrigo Moreno and Diego Llorente – two players fellow Spaniard Orta brought in this summer. 

Of the Argentine players linked with Leeds, only De Paul appears to have been a strong link. Orta himself confirmed interest but made it clear finances prohibited a move. 

The fact that Argentine players might be on their way to Leeds simply because Bielsa is in charge makes little sense and the evidence so far shows that Bielsa is not exactly demanding Orta brings his countrymen to Elland Road. 

More links to more Argentinians are to be expected throughout January. But Leeds United fans would do well to take many of them with a pinch of salt.