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Journalist details Leeds United’s financial commitment to failed manager swoop

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Leeds United’s attempts to prise Arne Slot from Feyenoord came up short earlier in January, and the magnitude of the club’s offer has emerged.

It’s safe to say that Victor Orta is not making any friends in the club’s fanbase right now with Michael Skubala still in charge of the first-team and no permanent manager in sight.

The Whites are 19th in the table after dropping two places following defeat to Everton, with the identity of Jesse Marsch’s successor still unclear, if there even is one in the pipeline.

Why haven’t Leeds got a manager?

Marsch was justifiably sacked after a winless run of seven games (now 10) which left Leeds teetering over the relegation zone, having spent heavily to shape the squad after surviving last season’s battle at the bottom.

Skubala took the reins at first to steady the ship and produced two solid performances against Manchester United, but only picked up one point.

The club have pushed hard to source a replacement, but have struggled to land their priority targets with Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot the two prime candidates, both opting not to join from Rayo Vallecano and Feyenoord respectively.

How close were Leeds to getting Slot?

The Dutchman remains at Feyenoord, as he looks to produce a title-winning campaign in the Eredivisie, after reaching the Europe Conference League last season.

De Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kraan has now reported that the club may have paid handsomely to take him on board this season and guide Leeds to safety.

Relayed by FC Update, van der Kraan had this to say:

“Feyenoord could receive almost 4 million from Leeds United and Slot could collect a little more than the same amount (4.5 million) in salary per season.”

While Slot has a deal that runs until 2025, it is common knowledge that he has a release clause that is more tan attainable for Premier League clubs, including Leeds.

Leeds would have paid £3.55million to release him from his contract before paying him £4million in a salary (£77k-per-week).

Are Leeds going down?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Slot would have been a very shrewd managerial appointment, but this highlights the problem we’re facing right now under this regime.

We sacked Marsch without the tiniest bit of foresight that these clubs wouldn’t be keen to let their top-performing managers leave.

It’s embarrassing to see this season playing out like this after such a promising summer, and the blame has to fall on the arrogant and naive board.

Leeds United quiz: How much do you remember about Jesse Marsch’s time at Elland Road? Find out here…

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What month did Jesse Marsch take over the club?

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.