Leeds United could try to tempt Andoni Iraola to Elland Road again as Rayo Vallecano exit on cards
Leeds United were hard on the case of Andoni Iraola earlier this season when looking to replace Jesse Marsch as manager, but things didn’t go to plan.
Despite making him the number one target to come in as boss to navigate the relegation battle that has since developed under all of Michael Skubala, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.
At the time the manager was keen to continue at Rayo Valladolid to continue what had been a strong season, but according to Relevo (26 May) he is now on the verge of an exit after failing to agree a new contract.
Obviously there has been a lot of change at Leeds since then too.
Several managers have come in, Victor Orta has been sacked as director of football and Andrea Radrizzani looks likely to be departing from his role as owner after purchasing Sampdoria.
But that doesn’t mean the club won’t look at potentially reigniting their interest in the Spanish coach, with reports suggesting that he sees his future in England.
The likelihood is that Allardyce won’t still be here next season and if the club are somehow still in the Premier League then there’s every chance that they return to someone they’ve already spoken to about the job.
Iraola has lit up La Liga this season and plays a brand of football that fans at Elland Road would enjoy, but Championship football will be a hard sell for him.
The fact that he’d now be a free agent and will be free would surely be tempting though, and means more money is available for his wage and bonuses to help convince him to join.
Either way, having a new option to take the reigns will be ideal and it could be a familiar name we’re linked with.
In other Leeds news, Troy Deeney has predicted Elland Road could turn “nasty” on Sunday.