It is February 2022 and Andrea Radrizzani has just made the incredibly unpopular decision to sack Leeds United legend Marcelo Bielsa, with Jesse Marsch expected to replace him.

But Leeds were considering the removal of Bielsa much before his final game, which resulted in a 4-0 hammering by Tottenham. Coincidentally, Sam Allardyce’s last game was a 4-1 defeat to Spurs in 2023.

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That month, rumours had been swirling that Radrizzani was due to make a decision. After four straight losses and 17 goals conceded in those games, the Italian felt he had no choice but to remove Bielsa.

Prior to his sacking, a report from The Telegraph claimed that Leeds were considering a trio of managers to replace the Argentine. One of whom was Marsch, another was Carlos Corberan, and a second Spaniard.

Ernesto Valverde.Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP via Getty ImagesLeeds should revisit Ernesto Valverde move as Bilbao spell stutters

When Leeds went to appoint a replacement for Bielsa, they wanted a manager who shared characteristics with the former Marseille, Bilbao and Argentina gaffer. Eventually, they went for Marsch – a colossal error.

But Ernesto Valverde was also on the radar. Now 61, Valverde was without a club after leaving Barcelona in 2022 where he had won two La Liga titles, a Copa Del Rey and picked up a huge 97 wins in 145 games.

Now, Valverde is back in management, his second spell at Bielsa’s old side, Bilbao, but he’s struggling for form. There is a belief in Spain that things have gone stale for Valverde at Bilbao and a change is needed.

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After his Barcelona sacking in 2020, The Mail said Valverde was keen to move to the Premier League, and with the sack close at Bilbao, there is every chance his view remains. Leeds would do well to take a look.

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Why Ernesto Valverde would be a smart choice for Leeds

Valverde is a winner. This is a man that has won all there is to win in Spanish football, even getting the best out of Lionel Messi’s final years at Barcelona. But he needs a change and will want to try England.

From Leeds’ perspective, there aren’t many out-of-work managers that fit the bill. Brendan Rodgers is an obvious candidate, but this is a man that turned Leeds down before the Yorkshire club hired Farke in ’23.

Ange Postecoglou is not suited to a relegation scrap in the Premier League. Carlos Corberan could be a consideration, but the Spaniard is well-liked at Valencia and he will cost a decent compensation fee.

Ernesto Valverde.Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

However, in terms of Valverde, any cost would be cheap. Indeed, his contract expires at the end of the season and with PSR an issue, hiring a manager cannot prove expensive. Valverde may be ideal for Leeds.

He is cheap, he is a winner, he is a disciple of Bielsa and his style of football would excite an Elland Road fanbase in dire need of a bit of excitement. Valverde would be a stunning appointment, if ambitious.

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