Javi Gracia has guided Leeds United to 13th in the Premier League and if the season ended right now, you would suggest he would get the job permanently – and his first target this summer should be Udinese’s Gerard Deulofeu.
A huge 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest – Gracia’s third win in six Premier League games – saw Leeds climb into 13th from the drop zone. It comes in the same group of games in which Bournemouth, Leicester and West Ham lost.
Yes, Leeds are only two points above the drop zone. But, there are seven teams below them as things stand and with a winnable game against Crystal Palace at home on Sunday, Gracia will fancy his chances of keeping the job.
If that is the case, the Spaniard will start to have a say when it comes to transfers in the summer. Right at the top of his list should be a reunion with Deulofeu – the Spain attacker who sparkled during his time under Gracia at Watford.
Deulofeu initially joined Watford just eight days after Gracia was appointed Watford manager. He played 44 times during Gracia’s reign, having a hand in 19 goals. He has since gone to Udinese and is starring for the Serie A club.
If Gracia gets Leeds job he should target Deulofeu in the summer
But, it is clear Deulofeu is keen on a return to England. With his deal at Udinese ending in June 2024, Tutto Udinese reported last month that Tottenham had agreed a deal to sign him in January. Only, for an injury to halt a transfer.
Leeds do have Brenden Aaronson, but they lack another player that is naturally a 10. £17m-rated Deulofeu can do it all – as a 10, on either flank or as a second striker, as he did under Gracia for Watford – alongside Troy Deeney.
Described as “amazing” by Gracia during his time at Watford, he would be an unreal signing for Leeds. If Gracia is given the job then a move for Deulofeu should be his first port of call this summer – for a potentially cut-price fee.
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