The Real Madrid superstar that David O’Leary tried to lure to Leeds United in 2002

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David O’Leary’s spending spree at Leeds United was in full flow in 2001, with the financial collapse yet to hit the Elland Road coffers. Transfer windows were not yet a thing.

The previous season saw Peter Ridsdale sign off on £50m worth of transfers. Olivier Dacourt, Dom Matteo, Mark Viduka, Jacob Burns, Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Keane all moved to Elland Road for massive money.

Leeds took a risk. They might have reached the Champions League semi-finals at the end of the 2000-01 season, but they missed out on Champions League qualification in 01-02. Fourth place meant UEFA Cup.

The spending however, didn’t stop. By the end of 2001, Leeds had spent a further £20m on Seth Johnson and Robbie Fowler, and were close to tying up a £7m deal for one of Real Madrid’s attacking stars.

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David O’Leary tried to sign Real Madrid star early in 2002

Rumours began in December 2001, that Leeds were doing a deal to sign England international Steve McManaman from Real Madrid. McManaman would go on to stay at Madrid until the summer of 2003.

But O’Leary confirms in his book as per BBC Sport, and reports at the time from RTE, said that Leeds were on the verge of agreeing a £7m deal for McManaman. He had fallen down the pecking order at Madrid.

The signings of Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane had reduced the former Liverpool star’s game time and he was said to be keen on reuniting with former Liverpool teammates Matteo and Fowler at Elland Road.

But, it didn’t materialise. Leeds would sack O’Leary at the end of the 2002 season when missing out on Champions League qualification again, and ultimately, the start of the financial collapse would begin.

Steve McManaman still has a soft spot for Leeds, clearly

His move to Leeds almost 25 years ago didn’t materialise, but McManaman clearly still has a soft spot for the Yorkshire club. He would eventually return to the Premier League in 2003 with Manchester City.

Speaking to ESPN before the beginning of the 2025-26 season, McManaman predicted one promoted side to stay up, picking Leeds to avoid relegation while Sunderland and Burnley would be relegated.

Leeds will hope to live up to McManaman’s prediction come the end of the season, with a crucial clash against Burnley at Turf Moor next. A win takes Leeds into double digits and well ahead of the curve.