Marcelo Bielsa has decided to stay as the Uruguay coach despite rumours of an exit and a potential return to Leeds United in the coming weeks. However, he is now almost certain to leave the South American national team after the 2026 World Cup.
Bielsa’s relationship with the players is said to have broken down, and it came to a boiling point following their 5-1 defeat against the United States in the recently concluded international break.
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Until a press conference earlier this week, there was no clarity over whether the Argentinian would stay. However, he confirmed to reporters that he would be staying on until the World Cup.
The Uruguay officials convinced him to continue. However, this is an uneasy truce, and Bielsa is almost certain to move on regardless of Uruguay’s results in the tournament.
Premier League clubs are alert to his situation amid suggestions of Marcelo Bielsa returning to Leeds
Bielsa is likely to be available for a new job at the end of the World Cup, and the maverick genius still has admirers across boardrooms in European football.
However, it has been claimed that the Argentine could be back in a Premier League dugout for the 2026/27 season.
According to Sun journalist Alan Nixon’s Patreon, several English clubs in the top tier are alive to the possibility of getting their hands on Bielsa.
The football that Leeds played under the Argentinian is still remembered with fondness, and he remains a wanted coach in the Premier League.
The controversy surrounding the Uruguayan national team in the last few days has convinced a few technical directors in the Premier League to add Bielsa to their shortlist.
Several Premier League clubs are on red alert, with Bielsa now expected to move on from Uruguay at the end of the World Cup.
Leeds must get him if he becomes available
Bielsa is a cult hero for what he did at Leeds, and remains one of the most popular figures amongst the Whites fanbase to date.
No one has a clue where Leeds would be at the end of the season. They would want to be in the Premier League, but relegation is a real threat.
Regardless of which league they are in, Leeds must do everything in their power to ensure Bielsa ends up at Elland Road if he returns to England next season.
He was sacked by the previous regime in early 2022. However, the way he talks about Leeds shows that he still loves the club and the fanbase.
If the current regime could sell a project to the maverick coach, there is no reason why he would not agree to return to Elland Road for a second spell.
It would be one of the most popular moves the 49ers could make if they could convince Bielsa to return to Leeds.
