Latest News

View: Leeds United must go all out for key summer agreement after recent manager reveal

|
Image for View: Leeds United must go all out for key summer agreement after recent manager reveal

La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano look to already be sounding out replacements for manager Andoni Iraola ahead of the summer where Leeds United could be looking to make a second approach for him.

Javi Gracia was the man Leeds eventually appointed to replace Jesse Marsch in the Elland Road dugout, with the American’s tenure ending early in February after defeat to Nottingham Forest.

However, Gracia penned a reported “flexible” contract with the club, suggesting that the managerial position remains one that Leeds may look to explore in the summer.

Who could Leeds look to appoint?

The strongest candidate for the job in terms of Leeds’ interest is Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola, with Leeds failing with their initial approach to appoint the manager aiming to bring European football to the relative La Liga minnows.

Leeds’ snubbed approach for the Spaniard brought them to Arne Slot, with the Feyenoord manager also snubbing the chance to take over at Elland Road, leading to Leeds’ mad scramble from thereon.

Will Vallecano let Iraola leave?

Iraola’s contract is up in the summer, and with that, Leeds would be free to make a move for the manager, should they wish to part ways with Gracia.

An update from Vallecano’s end of matters has emerged, though, earlier in March with Cadena Ser claiming that the manager is expected to depart, and his club have already started looking at how to replace him.

Arsenal v Leeds predictions

Arsenal win

Arsenal win

Draw

Draw

Leeds win

Leeds win

Can Leeds swoop in?

Such an update should be putting the Leeds board on red alert to a manager who has the potential to be amongst the elite, given his track record with Vallecano so early in his career.

It may be a risk for Leeds to invest in a manager without much experience behind him, but all the signs are there that Iraola has what it takes to be a very successful manager in the future, given how he has turned Vallecano’s fortunes around with promotion, cup semi-finals, and a recent European push.

It’s a difficult situation that Leeds find themselves in with Gracia doing a very good job at present, but when an opportunity like this looks to be presenting itself, Leeds should not pass it up.

Quiz: Leeds United’s last 15 results v Arsenal – Can you score 100%?

1 of 15

October 2022, Elland Road?

Share this article

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.