Marcelo Bielsa is set to prioritise strengthening his attacking options this summer as he looks to guide Leeds United to promotion during his second season, a source close to the Elland Road club has revealed to Football League Word.

Leeds went close to promotion under Bielsa during the Argentine’s first year in English football, but collapsed during the final month of season, missing out on the top-two before suffering a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Derby County in the play-offs.

Since then, Bielsa has committed to another 12 months in the Championship with Leeds, with the club and head-coach turning their attention to recruitment.

[ad_pod ]

FLW understands strengthening Bielsa’s attacking options is a priority this summer for Leeds, with the 63-year-old wanting to add two wingers to his armoury for the new campaign.

Last season, Jack Harrison (on loan from Manchester City), Pablo Hernandez, Ezgjan Alioski and Jack Clarke provided Leeds with their options out wide, with the club infamously missing out on the service of Daniel James in January.

However, the Daily Mail have confirmed that Tottenham hold a strong interest in 18-year-old Clarke, whose departure would weaken Leeds’ options in the wide areas after his strong impact over the months of November, December and January.

Whilst wingers are on the radar at Leeds, Bielsa doesn’t feel there is need for a mass overhaul following a largely successful season, with the Whites only likely to add a handful of players to the squad that led them to third in the table in 2018/19.

The Verdict  

Leeds lacked variety on the flanks last season and there’s certainly a need for the club to strengthen that problem position.

Harrison returning wouldn’t be a bad idea, but you’ve got to feel someone with a better goalscoring record has to come in as well.

Ultimately, Leeds’ failings in front of goal cost them last season and there’s a need to get that right if Bielsa is going to be successful.

Emphasis on bringing in clinical attacking players should outweigh flooding the squad with new arrivals.

Thoughts? Let us know!