Phil Hay thinks major Leeds deal will be done this week after key Thorp Arch development
Marcelo Bielsa is putting Leeds United fans through the mill at the moment, with still no official confirmation of a new deal.
We were convinced that it would be done by the time the Leeds players were back in training at Thorp Arch last Thursday.
However, despite positive noises coming from Leeds, the deal still hasn’t been signed.
Bielsa wasn’t spotted taking training on Thursday, although we weren’t unduly worried, with players focusing on fitness to begin with.
Leeds Live said, “Benoit Delaval tends to lead the fitness-focused training before Bielsa and his coaches get involved on the field.”
However, in a really positive update, Athletic journalist Phil Hay has said that Bielsa is now back taking training at Thorp Arch.
He responded to a fan who asked, “Surely we will see a signed contract from Bielsa this week?”
Hay, said, “You would think so. The fact that he’s back taking training shows that there’s no problem with it.”
Leeds fans have to be patient
Leeds United might be keeping fans waiting over their new kit – they’re now one of just three Premier League sides (Burnley and Fulham are the others) who haven’t launched their kit yet – but their hands are tied with Bielsa.
The hold-up is on his side, with final details on the contract said to be getting checked over by his brother Rafael.
Leeds can’t announce it until it’s done but seem very confident that it’s just process rather than anything to worry about.
And, the fact that Bielsa is now taking training should give fans even more confidence – despite the fact that he’s technically working for free at the moment.
However, MOT Leeds News columnist Paul Robinson has said that he won’t stop worrying until it’s announced.
He also said that getting Bielsa’s signature on a new deal would be the “biggest signing of the summer” for Leeds.
We’d go along with that. With Bielsa comes the ability to sign more and better players, who are all keen to play under one of the best managers in the world.
Like Hay, we do think it will get announced this week.
In other Leeds United news, Kalvin Phillips sends message to Ben White on Instagram after Leeds players return to training