Marca journalist Euan McTear comments on Leeds United’s interest in Marcelo
The agents of Real Madrid left-back Marcelo have sounded out Leeds United over a move, according to the Mirror.
The Brazilian is not in the plans of new manager Carlo Ancelotti, and is looking to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with just a year left on his current deal.
Leeds are in the market for a new left-back, with the future of Gjanni Alioski not expected to have any impact on that decision.
Marca journalist Euan McTear has commented on the reports, and admits he does not see Marcelo moving to Elland Road due to the Whites’ style of play.
“Leeds don’t play with a back three so I don’t see him as a Bielsa player,” McTear told Football Fan Cast.
“And even if Bielsa could find a use for him, he needs young, fit and energetic players which is something Marcelo was five years ago, but not now.”
Exactly
Marcelo is a legend as they come and one of the best left-backs to ever grace a football pitch.
However, at 33, he does not have much to offer again at the top of the game.
He featured in just 19 times across all competitions for Madrid last season, with Ferland Mendy ahead of him in Zinedine Zidane’s pecking order.
That is not expected to change under Ancelotti, and while Marcelo is still a force to reckon with in attack, Leeds need more in a left-back.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa wants a full-back capable of defending and going forward all game, and the Brazilian is past it.
He brings huge and valuable experience to the table no doubt, but does not look like a player that can survive weekly sessions of murderball training.
We would love to see a young left-back at Elland Road instead, as it is not a retirement home or backup plan for players.
A top-seven finish in the Premier League table is the agenda next term and we need players that can last the full season.
Marcelo? No thanks!
In other Leeds news, Tottenham want to sign £25m-rated Whites star.