Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani admits has been very impressed by the credentials of confirmed new arrival Victor Orta.
The Championship club announced on their official website on Tuesday afternoon that Orta had been appointed as the new Director of Football at Elland Road, following his departure from Middlesbrough.
Following the appointment, Radrizzani has revealed that Orta, who was one of several shortlisted candidates for the post, made a lasting impression with his ‘knowledge of the game’ and ‘extensive scouting network.’
He said, as quoted by Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Lee Sobot on his personal Twitter account: “I have been impressed by his knowledge of the game, his extensive scouting network.”
Radrizzani on Orta: " I have been impressed by his knowledge of the game, his extensive scouting network.." #lufc
— Lee Sobot (@LeeSobotYEP) May 30, 2017
The Spaniard’s arrival comes as the third significant change to the management structure at Leeds, after Radrizzani completed his full takeover of the club last week.
Radrizzani declared his intention to overhaul the backroom team after taking full control of the club from Massimo Cellino, and he has wasted little time in fulfilling his promise.
Orta’s appointment follows the arrival of Angus Kinnear as the club’s new managing director, replacing Ben Mansford, who had earlier walked away from his role as chief executive.
However, a more drastic change was also required in the coaching department, after much-loved manager Garry Monk resigned from his post last week.
Leeds have already narrowed their managerial search to a few potential targets, including Orta’s former Middlesbrough colleague, Aitor Karanka.
Former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has also been linked with the vacant managerial post, but Orta’s recent affiliations with Karanka at the Riverside suggest that the Spaniard is the favourite.
Orta has an extensive knowledge and reputation across Europe, having previously held roles at La Liga giants Sevilla and Russian Premier League outfit Zenit St Petersburg.