Marcelo Bielsa favourite Mauricio Isla released and Leeds United must swoop – TBR View

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Fenerbahce have confirmed the release of Chilean stalwart Mauricio Isla. The 31-year-old, who celebrates his 32nd birthday later this week, has been with the club since 2017. However, as reported by the Anadolu News Agency, the player and club have agreed an amicable mutual arrangement that will see the versatile star become a free agent this month. 

It is widely believed a move back to South America could be on the cards for the player, who had a loan spell at QPR earlier in his career.

But should Leeds United be considering the experienced international ahead of a Premier League campaign?

There is no doubt that Marcelo Bielsa would be open to signing the player. 

The dup have history, with Bielsa revolutionising his play during his time as coach of the Chilean national team. Isla himself spoke in an interview this week, as relayed by Diario AS, referring to the Leeds boss as the ‘best coach he has ever had’.

“Bielsa has very different things from other coaches, because it makes you work yourself, if you are lateral, it gives you lateral exercises, and so for years I grew.

“He is a coach who is not very friendly, does not talk much to you, is not very affectionate, but when it comes to training he makes everything clear, he teaches you There is a lot to do on the field, so for me it has been the best I have ever had.”

Bielsa also wanted Isla at a previous club. Isla was heavily linked with a move to Marseille during the Argentine’s spell at the Stade Velodrome in 2014. Indeed, as reported by Marca, Bielsa complained about the club’s inability to bring in his former international player. A year later, Bielsa got his man but left Marseille just a week later after falling out with the club hierarchy.

With Leeds hoping to be playing Premier League football next season, a player of Isla’s quality and prestige could provide a massive help. 

Capable at full-back or in holding midfield, the 115-cap star has the ability to add genuine Premier League quality and cover in numerous positions should Leeds get promoted.

Add in the fact he is available for free in one of the toughest transfer markets for decades amid the global health crisis and Leeds must be interested.