Victor Orta was certainly a controversial figure at Leeds United. Two years after leaving, he’s now at Real Valladolid, and he’s loving life.
Leeds United had their moments under Victor Orta: Marcelo Bielsa arriving at Elland Road, and a number of quality signings during his reign in names like Raphinha and Ben White to name a couple.
But Orta’s memory among Leeds United fans isn’t such a popular one, and for a few reasons too: Bielsa’s exit and arguing with supporters inside Elland Road, whilst the majority of his signings didn’t work out and cost the club a ton of money in transfer fees and wages too.
Leaving in 2023, Orta headed straight for Sevilla where he spent two more years, leaving this summer and then taking up the sporting director role at Real Valladolid.
Presentation Of Djibril Sow For Sevilla Fc
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
Victor Orta says he’s never been happier in subtle Leeds United swipe
Orta has certainly been around the block. As well as being director of football at Leeds United, he’s also held similar roles with Valladolid where he actually began his career in 2005, Zenit St Peterburg, Elche, Middlesbrough, and of course Sevilla.
Speaking with Spanish outlet Marca, Orta has now suggested that he never really had happiness after leaving Elche 2015, until now having come back to Valladolid, suggesting that he too looks back on his time at Leeds United with few fond memories.
Orta explained: “They’re close [Valladolid presidents], they lead, they give you independence. They’ve professionalized many areas of the club and created a good atmosphere. There was a connection from the first call; Gabriel Solares and Enrique Urunuela are two very complementary presidents.
“I feel loved by them; they’ve given me back a bit of self-esteem. Neither internally nor externally have we believed in the potential that Real Valladolid has in everything, and we have to exploit it.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Orta also added: “This summer I felt more like a sporting director than ever. Perhaps it hadn’t happened to me since I was at Elche.”
Adam Underwood now has chance to bring Leeds United stability
Leeds under the guide of Orta were pretty chaotic. But the club had their successes. Now, Daniel Farke and the 49ers have a chance to replicate and even better those successes, but right now it’s looking like Leeds are in for a tough season.
Adam Underwood is the new sporting director. Underwood has the support of the Leeds United hierarchy but support from fans has been tested after the summer transfer window, with Farke left lacking in attack.
Time will tell whether Underwood’s summer transfer window has done the job. It largely depends on names like Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepping up, along with other Leeds United players who Farke wants more from, like Dan James.
But the days of Orta are long gone. He and the club have moved on for the better.