OPINION
Marcelo Bielsa managed to take Leeds from mid-table mediocrity to promotion contenders in the space of one pre-season after taking control at Elland Road in 2018.
Leeds missed out on promotion through the playoffs after falling out of the Championship automatic promotion spots in a nightmare final month in the campaign.
What was most impressive about Bielsa at Leeds was not their final position in the table, but the Argentine’s ability to transform the Whites’ squad, with players such as Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips integral to the team after disappointing in previous seasons.
It a must for Leeds to keep hold of their key assets ahead of a second push for promotion under Bielsa, with Kalvin Phillips the key man in a pivot role which sees the Yorkshire club build a team around him.
Reputable football outlet, Football Insider, have claimed that Premier League club Bournemouth have made an early approach to sign the 23-year-old after his standout season in the Championship.
This will come as no surprise to Leeds, but they must stand firm and reject any offer for Phillips, no matter what bid comes in over the summer.
If promotion is secured to the Premier League next season, Phillips’ has the chance to go down as a huge hero at his boyhood club and will no doubt want another shot at bringing that success to Elland Road.
Phillips will reportedly have a new contract offer to consider from Leeds in the coming weeks and the English midfielder has the chance to go down in history should he agree to stay.