Leeds United ‘in talks with Russell Martin’ as major Farke sack update emerges
Leeds United could part ways with manager Daniel Farke despite winning promotion to the Premier League, and a shock replacement option has now emerged.
Farke has achieved promotion at the second time of asking in his two years at Leeds, but he could be dismissed as the Whites bid to stay in the Premier League.
Leeds’ first campaign under Farke ended in heartbreak, as they were beaten by Southampton in the play-off final, having lost out on an automatic promotion place.
Russell Martin’s side beat Leeds at Wembley, and he has now been linked with a move to Elland Road to replace Farke.
Leeds make contact with Martin to replace Farke
Martin achieved promotion with Southampton, but he was dismissed halfway through the season in December as they were relegated from the Premier League.
He has been out of work since, but is not short of suitors, and Leeds could now replace Farke with Martin in a somewhat surprising move.
| Stat | Russell Martin |
| Matches | 73 |
| Wins | 34 |
| Draws | 13 |
| Losses | 26 |
| Goals | 126 |
| Conceded | 118 |
| Points per game | 1.58 |
GiveMeSport (25 April) have now reported that Leeds have already “sounded out” Martin, making contact to see whether he would be keen on joining the club to replace Farke, with officials now seriously considering sacking the German.
Martin is reportedly open-minded about his next destination, and could move abroad after his disastrous Premier League campaign with Southampton.
Could Martin succeed with Leeds?
Martin successfully instilled his philosophy at Southampton in the Championship, with his sides playing a possession-dominant game while building out play from the back.
However, this failed in the top division as the financial disparity between the Saints and the rest of the top-flight became clear.
The 39-year-old was criticised for not adapting his style in accordance with the tougher demands of the Premier League, and many Leeds fans would perhaps view this as a red flag if he was to join now.
Leeds could be interested in Martin as a long-term option to mark his style of play on the club, but it would be a huge gamble over whether he can succeed in England at a level above the Championship.
Southampton are interested in bringing Martin back to the South Coast, and it remains to be seen what his preference will be for next season.