West Ham United are hoping to take advantage of the apparent sale going on at Besiktas by signing Gary Medel from the Turkish side. Sky Sports suggests Manuel Pellegrini, his Chilean compatriot, sees him as a perfect recruit to fulfil both defensive midfield and centre-back roles.
However, if West Ham are going to swoop for Medel, then Leeds United should also be keen.
Medel is well known to the Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa. It was the Argentine who first used him as a central defender and helped develop him into one of Europe’s most feared destroyers.
‘El Loco’ and ‘Pitbull’ had quite the relationship, as Medel has alluded to in the past.
“Marcelo has changed the outlook of the Chilean footballer, he made us think positively, always look for the win and chase games. Bielsa has not just been an influential coach for me, but for all of Chilean football.”
– Gary Medel on Marcelo Bielsa’s influence
Leeds United could also use Medel. The club needs cover at centre-back and in midfield. Medel offers both. He would also be a fine recruit when it comes to improving the likes of Kalvin Phillips. Learning from a seasons veteran like Medel could help him become an even better Leeds prospect.
Leeds would, of course, have a difficult time winning a wage battle with West Ham. However, the lure of Bielsa might be enough to give the Hammers a run for their money.