OPINION
There are few clubs more ambitious than Leeds United in the Championship – but over the years the Whites have failed to turn their hopes and dreams into a reality.
Ever since dropping out of the Premier League over a decade ago, the fans and the board have been looking for a way to return, although finances and other issues have prevented them in making the step from the second tier back to the top flight.
Last summer saw Andrea Radrizzani take over as the latest owner to try and guide the Whites back to the promised land, but his gamble on both manager Thomas Christiansen and a whole host of unproven talents arriving in the squad failed to pay off – even with Championship stalwart Paul Heckingbottom taking over.
Now, another roll of the dice has been made with Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival, and it seems as though the Italian owner is plotting big this season with a launch for the top flight.
It is stated by the Yorkshire Evening Post that Leeds are keen on snapping up Birmingham City’s David Stockdale, a Championship veteran in his own right, and that a loan-to-buy bid was tabled for his services.
The report states that Leeds were willing to agree to a clause where they would have to purchase the 32-year-old were they to return to the Premier League this season, and with Stockdale a smart capture, it would not have been a clause included if Radrizzani did not feel it was a feasible target.
The proposed capture of the Blues stopper, with all his experience, is testament to just how keen the Whites are at getting out of the division, and with a mix of grit and flair they could do just that.
Radrizzani is planning for the Premier League – now Bielsa has to deliver.