Jesse Marsch appears resigned to possibility of losing Leeds United stars
Jesse Marsh gave a diplomatic answer when asked about the prospect of losing Leeds United stars Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.
The pair were subject of major transfer bids from West Ham in the January transfer window, and are both thought to be in the sights of big Premier League clubs.
With the club in serious danger of relegation currently, the chances of keeping hold of either in the Championship seems remote, as Gianluigi Longari has reported that the Brazilian has a release clause of just €25million after the drop.
American Marsch, was asked about the two key members of his squad, avoided talking in specifics but appeared to acknowledge that they could leave, saying via Leeds Live: “Whenever you work for a club you know there are things you can suggest and try to work through, but you also know there are situations you have to accept.
“Every manager will tell you he wants as good a player as you can give him, but you also have to understand, for the health of the group and every individual situation, you have to respect possibilities of what is all out there.”
The new boss appears to be content with his lot though, adding: “With someone like Victor Orta, someone with his expertise, his communication style, his ability to help build a roster, and a squad and a club in a really good way, is really impressive.
“We will have a really close, strong relationship as time goes on, but I certainly trust his way, there’s no question about that.”
Sad truth
Marsch will have known the situation when he took the job, and like anybody else will be aware that players of that calibre will be unlikely to stay in the second tier.
Whether decisions have been made already is debatable as surely all parties involved will have an interest in keeping the situation private until this season has been completed.
The campaign has been such a mess it seems fairly likely that Raphinha has his heart set on operating at the top end of a European table, rather than a relegation battle, even if United stay up.
England star Phillips has a far stronger bond with the club, and his agent was quoted just over a month ago saying the midfielder “has no intention of doing that now or in the summer”, via The Sun.
He was apparently in search of an improved contract at the time, which has so far not materalised, and the departure of influential manager Marcelo Bielsa is bound to be a factor.
The Argentine turned the 26-year-old from a Championship performer into an international star, and having cemented his place in the England team it would seem that Premier League football is a must.
If the Whites manage to survive he could remain, but a hefty bid from Manchester United, or surprise suitor Aston Villa, may test his and the club’s resolve.
In other Leeds United news, a transfer insider has shared Raphinha’s supposed plans for the next few months.