Leeds United to confirm Daniel Farke as manager Tuesday amid update on takeover ratification delay from EFL – Phil Hay
Leeds United are set to confirm Daniel Farke as the new manager on Tuesday (4 July) after the German jetted in the night before to finalise, Phil Hay reports.
The former Norwich City boss had been expected as the next man in charge at Elland Road for days but with the club trying to wait until the 49ers takeover from Andrea Radrizzani had received official ratification from the EFL the announcement was conspicuous by its absence.
However, with the players arriving back for training this week the Whites have decided they can’t wait any longer and will now make Farke official before the buy-out gets the green light.
Hay reported via Twitter on Monday night (3 July): “Leeds United set to confirm appointment of Daniel Farke as head coach in the next 24 hrs.
“Terms agreed, allowing him to fly in this evening. Due to be finalised even if takeover isn’t sealed first, with training set to start Wednesday.”
In his report for The Athletic he provided an update on the process with the league and said: “Leeds are still waiting for the club’s recent takeover to be confirmed by the English Football League (EFL) and this led to the delay in Farke’s appointment.
“His appointment however is now likely to go through before the takeover is approved by the EFL as the club do not feel they can delay Farke’s arrival beyond the first pre-season training session on Wednesday…
“Waiting for the EFL to give the buy-out its approval meant Leeds began pre-season on July 3 without a head coach in place.”
No choice
It would be absolutely farcical to have a new manager ready and waiting but then not have him actually in charge of training once the first session starts.
It is pretty ridiculous that Leeds United have had to pull the trigger on a new manager technically under the name of Radrizzani, who theoretically remains in charge of the club until the takeover is official.
The Italian’s influence should now be zero as he is in place at Sampdoria, but until the EFL says so it is his club in name if not practice.
His takeover of the stricken Italian side helped contribute to an infuriating delay in reaching an agreement over the sale to the 49ers, which has caused this knock-on effect.
The club will hope that there are no unforeseen hitches to the paperwork with the league and the takeover is waved through without issue in the background.
Meanwhile Farke can finally get to work on planning for his third promotion to the Premier League, and who he wants to sign to help make it happen.
In other Leeds United news, an exciting talent is now expected to leave as part of the loan exodus just when it appeared he would get his big break.