Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League in the 2020/21 season.
Marcelo Bielsa lead the team to win the championship and gain automatic promotion to the top flight. The Argentine coach achieved this feat in just his second season in charge. Leeds fans could not believe that they were back in the Premier League after years away.
Bielsa made the most of his squad to win the Championship. His team dominated as they won 28 games, more than any team in the league that year. Leeds reached 93 points and 77 goals scored that year.
In the summer, the Argentine was backed to boost the squad ahead of the return to the Premier League. Leeds spent around €100million on eight players. The window paid off, as Leeds finished in ninth place, with more points and goals scored than any other newly promoted side in the Premier League over a 20-year period.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
Premier League clubs target former Leeds United star
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That summer Leeds signed Raphinha, Illan Meslier, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Helder Costa, Jean-Kevin Augustin and Rodrigo Moreno. Some of these players became a key part of the team, and others left the club a few years later.
Diego Llorente joined Leeds from Real Sociedad in 2020 for a reported €18million. The defender’s time at the club was quite forgettable as he was almost never available due to various injury problems. He only played 15 Premier League games in his first season. Llorente went on to make 59 appearances before he joined Real Betis this summer.
Now, the 31-year old has been linked with a move back to the Premier League. According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have shortlisted the defender ahead of the January transfer window. Unai Emery is reportedly a big fan of the player.
However, a move to sign Llorente may be complicated as Aston Villa will need to offload one player to make room for the Spaniard. Diego Carlos will be the player set to exit the club. Betis will also be difficult to negotiate with, as Llorente is under contract till 2028.
Elland Road could also need a defensive signing
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have been a formidable partnership at the back for Leeds United. They have played every game in the league this season. With Max Wöber still struggling with fitness issues, Leeds may need to enter the transfer market to add another backup defender.
