Victor Orta gets plenty of criticism for his work at Leeds United, which lasted six years between 2017 and 2023. Largely, because of his disastrous last season as the club’s sporting director.
Alongside Andrea Radrizzani and Angus Kinnear, Orta started superbly. It was the Spaniard’s idea to hire Marcelo Bielsa, the spark needed to get Leeds out of the Championship; some stunning signings, too.
The likes of Willy Gnonto for less than £4m, Illan Meslier for £5m and of course, Raphinha. But there is perhaps one area of his work that Leeds have benefited from most, and continue to do so even now.
It was Orta’s ability to bring youngsters to the club for tiny amounts of money, and then sell them on for huge fees. Crysencio Summerville is an example, while Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph are current stars.
Of course, Orta ruined it. He sacked Bielsa, chose Jesse Marsch and made some woeful signings in 2022-23. But his legacy lives on at Leeds in the form of young players who are breaking into Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds won James Debayo race ahead of England’s biggest clubs
James Debayo is the latest Thorp Arch academy talent to make his debut for Leeds. The 19-year-old was thrown in the deep end by Farke for his debut, coming on in the drama of Leeds’ 4-3 win over Swansea.
Then, he won his second senior outing in the 2-0 FA Cup loss to Millwall, playing the last 10 minutes. Only two appearances despite remaining an unused substitute on 23 occasions in the Championship.
All Nigeria Soccer say that when Leeds and Orta signed Debayo as a 15-year-old from Watford in 2021, The Whites beat Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Brighton and Southampton to his signature.
What Leeds think James Debayo is capable of at Elland Road
It is perhaps a touch harsh on Debayo that he only played twice for Farke during 2025-26. But there is some good news for the defender, with Debayo earning a new contract as per the club’s retained list.
One of four youngsters to win a new deal, Debayo looks to be a gem that Leeds feel is worth keeping. ANS say Leeds have high hopes for Debayo, who has been described as “brilliant” by Michael Skubala.
They feel like Debayo can make the step up if necessary and become a senior member of the side in due course. Still only 19, Debayo has time on his side and the benefits of training with the current first team.
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