Victor Orta’s time at Leeds United will split opinions at the club. But his time in charge saw some major changes which ultimately lead to the club’s return to the Premier League.
The hiring of Marcelo Bielsa was down to Orta recruiting the former Lille boss. Bielsa’s time at the club is fondly remembered for a lot of things. Leeds reached the top flight for the first time since 2003 under the Argentine coach.
Orta was also behind most of the signings in the summer of 2020, which helped the team survive. Leeds finished in the top half that year, with a squad including Raphinha, Rodrigo Moreno and Robin Koch.
Victor Orta was also the brain behind a youth policy at the club during his time.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
Victor Orta was key in Leeds United move
Credit: Imago Images
It involved signing high potential young players from top clubs, and developing them at Thorp Arch. The scouting was spread far and wide, as players arrived from Netherlands, Spain and even Switzerland. Pascal Struijk, Crysencio Summerville, Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and Kristoffer Klaesson were just some of the players signed during that period.
Now, it has been revealed that Orta played a key part in stealing a potential signing from Real Madrid. Mateo Joseph arrived in West Yorskhire from Espanyol. Little did anyone know that the 21-year old almost joined Real Madrid before arriving at Elland Road.
Joseph narrated how Victor Orta convinced him to move to Leeds, speaking to Spanish YouTuber Papa Pinicius:
“My mother told me one day that Madrid wanted to sign me for the U19s,”
“I think of how difficult it was to get into the first team.
“I’m really happy with the choice I made, because maybe I wouldn’t be here.
“The sporting director was Spanish (Orta), and when he met my family, he convinced us.”
Should Leeds sell Mateo Joseph this summer?
The forward has continued to improve since breaking into the first team. But this summer presents a dilemma for Leeds United. Real Betis will reportedly try to sign Mateo Joseph after missing out in January. With a rumoured £12.75million fee, the club should consider selling him.
It looks like Betis have a plan for him next season, and Leeds will sign multiple players heading into the Premier League. The Whites may decide to sell Joseph for profit to improve the squad.
