Leeds plot backroom shake-up with Samir Arabi after Kinnear twist – Sky Sports
Leeds United are undergoing a total restructuring behind the scenes at Elland Road with Angus Kinnear set to leave his role as the CEO.
Everything is going according to plan for Leeds on the pitch as they sit atop the Championship table with 11 games left to play and are on course to earn Premier League promotion.
However, the West Yorkshire outfit received a major setback last Wednesday (26 February) when it emerged that Kinnear is set to step down from his role to take charge as Everton’s CEO at the end of the season.
Kinnear has been at Elland Road since 2017 and played a key role in helping the Whites earn promotion under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020, meaning his departure will leave a huge gap at Leeds.
🚨EXCLUSIVE
— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) February 26, 2025
🔵Angus Kinnear set to become Everton CEO – but not until the end of the season
⚪️Talks to take place but Kinnear keen to see through Leeds' return to Premier League
✒️https://t.co/1pOXDThc3c
Samir Arabi on Leeds radar to bolster backroom staff
Kinnear’s exit follows a series of other departures, including that of technical director Gretar Steinsson and head of recruitment Jordan Miles.
While Leeds opted not to hire a direct replacement for Steinsson, they promoted Alex Davies to the head of recruitment to fill the void left by Miles.
With Kinnear now on his way out, the Elland Road outfit are undergoing a major shake-up behind the scenes, according to Sky Germany.
The broadcasters reported via their website on 6 March that the Championship club are looking at bolstering their recruitment department with the appointment of Samir Arabi.
| Club | Role | Term |
| Arminia Bielefeld | Managing Director of Sport | 2016-2023 |
| Arminia Bielefeld | Director of Football | 2011-2016 |
| Alemannia Aachen | Chief Scout | 2008-2011 |
| Alemannia Aachen | Scout | 2006-2007 |
| Alemannia Aachen Youth | Manager | 2002-2007 |
Arabi has been without a job since leaving his role as Arminia Bielefeld’s managing director of sport in 2023 and could help Daniel Farke with recruitment.
Farke to receive more power in transfers
Farke is set to have more influence in Leeds’ transfers as he edges closer to earning promotion.
The manager’s German connections, coupled with Arabi’s expertise in the market, could help Leeds ‘intensify’ their efforts in that direction.
Farke’s side have had great success signing players from Germany, with Ilia Gruev, Max Wober, Josuha Guilavogui and Ao Tanaka among those who have arrived from there.