Leeds boss Jesse Marsch discussed transfer policy during his press conference ahead of the Whites’ upcoming clash against Southampton at Elland Road, with updates on a couple of key potential incomings and departures.
The name on everyone’s lips of course is Raphinha, with the Brazilian starlet being continiously linked with a summer move to Barcelona, but Marsch has tried to keep talk with his prized asset purely football related and is focusing on getting the best out of the 25-year-old on the pitch.
“I’ve not said a word to him about Deco or Barcelona – but everyone knows it’s out there and it shouldn’t be a surprise because he’s a fantastic player.”
“He’s a massive talent and my challenge is, despite all of the talk outside, to have the relationship where we can focus on his development in helping the team while he is here and I just want him to become the player I know he can be.”
“Everyone here wants to enjoy the football he can play and of course we want him to stay as long as possible.”
The American also outlined the likely approach he and director of football Victor Orta are going to pursue during the upcoming window, with the 48-year-old happy to place his faith in the options Orta presents to him.
“Victor and I have a scouting meeting next week. We’ve had discussions already and i’m not sure how it worked with Marcelo Bielsa but my role is to be the manager and then we have Victor and his scouting team.”
“I like to give profiles of the players I like and I trust them to do their job diligently before we make decisions together. Everyone needs to be fully aligned when a player arrives.”
It has been widely reported that Leeds are set to go back in for Red Bull Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson after having interest rebuffed by the Austrians in January, and whilst that came before Marsch’s appointment it certainly seems as though advanced areas of the field are going to be high on the priority list for the club this summer.
“The whole talk with Brenden Aaronson happened before I came here. I know him, he’s a great player but even when he came to Salzburg it was before I had anything to do with him.”
“We have some talented strikers and flexibility with all our players up front but we may need another attacker or two and one nine in particular. Victor and I will speak about it next week.”
