Leeds United are back in the Premier League after the mess that was the 2022-23 season saw The Whites relegated to the Championship – and Leeds have now fought back.
A stunning season that ripped up the history books saw Daniel Farke’s side achieve 100 points. The most any Leeds side has ever managed in the history of the club, with Farke exceeding Marcelo Bielsa’s tally.
Leeds are now in limbo somewhat, with the 49ers targeting Premier League players as new signings. But, the Premier League still has two games left to play per club, meaning Leeds will have to sit tight and wait.
The retained list should arrive shortly, but one bit of news from Spain this week will at least put a smile on the faces of those in the Leeds boardroom. Deportes COPE Sevilla have given an update on Victor Orta.
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
Sevilla make Victor Orta decision after he jumped ship in 2023
Orta joined La Liga club Sevilla in the summer of 2023 having jumped a sinking ship in Leeds in April of that year, following a heavy 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth. But Sevilla have fallen from their normal stature.
Some dismal signings and managerial appointments have come and gone during Orta’s reign since he replaced Aston Villa’s transfer chief Monchi. Just look at Sevilla’s league positions with Orta at the helm.
Sevilla under Monchi and Orta:
Season Sporting director in charge Points Position
2019-20 Monchi 70 4th
2020-21 Monchi 77 4th
2021-22 Monchi 70 4th
2022-23 Monchi 49 12th
2023-24 Victor Orta 41 14th
2024-25 (two games left) Victor Orta 41 14th
Orta joined after Sevilla achieved 4th place in La Liga for three consecutive seasons. Since he came in, Sevilla have failed to get into the top half and this season, they were embroiled in a relegation scrap.
Now, Spanish outlet Deportes COPE Sevilla report that Orta will be given his marching orders at the end of the season – after Sevilla confirmed their La Liga status on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Leganes.
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Why Leeds United fans see Victor Orta as a villain
Back in 2017, Leeds hired Victor Orta from Middlesbrough as the club’s new sporting director. He started well in the Leeds role, praised for choosing Bielsa as the man to replace Paul Heckingbottom as manager.
Orta’s scouting network, largely in Spain but all over Europe too, allowed him to bring in young gems and some of those are still with Leeds now. His ability to find a young player was second to none at Leeds.
Pascal Struijk, Mateo Joseph, Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and plenty more – signed by Orta. He also made some super signings, the likes of Raphinha, Illan Meslier for £5m, Patrick Bamford and more.
But in his final year, it all went downhill. Orta gave Marsch too much power and the signings were poor, leading to Leeds’ relegation and Orta’s decision to jump ship after a 4-1 loss at the Vitality Stadium.
His hire of Javi Gracia didn’t work and his passion saw him argue with supporters on matchday. Going down and sacking Bielsa had ruined any credit Orta had, and many blame him for the club’s relegation.