Leeds United have come a long way since 2020, when the club earned promotion to the Premier League. There have been a lot of ups and down, personnel changes and most importantly, a change in ownership.
The 49ers Enterprises fully acquired Leeds and they have not looked back. Managing director Robbie Evans said that the owners have invested more in the club that any of the previous owners.
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“Everyone assumes that cash is infinite and we’ll max out PSR. My objective every year is to max out PSR, irrespective of the cash. We’re injecting tons of cash, far more than any ownership group has before.”
This season, the Whites are seeking to establish themselves in the top flight with plans of becoming a brand worth £1billion.
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Former Leeds United executive speaks on life at new club
Credit: Imago
But the fans must not forget the people who laid the foundation along the way. One of the key drivers of Leeds’ return to the top flight was Victor Orta. The Spaniard was in charge of footballing operations, mainly transfers. And though there is a mixed reception of his work, most of it turned out well for the Whites.
Orta is now at Real Valladolid after leaving West Yorkshire a few years ago. He now says the new role has given him a new lease of life he did not have since leaving Elche in 2015. Deliberately leaving Leeds out of his experience shows he is not happy with how his time at the club ended.
“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.” Orta said to Marca.
“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.”
What is Victor Orta’s legacy at Leeds?
When all is said and done, Victor Orta did an incredible job with Leeds. He brought in a cult hero to guide the club to the Premier League, and fans have adored Marcelo Bielsa ever since. That period of the club will not be forgotten anytime soon.
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