Mario Lemina gives huge credit to Marcelo Bielsa amid £18m transfer links

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Mario Lemina is a wanted man this summer. But The Gabonese midfielder has been discussing how Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa was key to his development as a player. 

As reported by The Telegraph, Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal are both keen on the Southampton player. 

The report claims Lemina has informed Southampton he would like to leave the club and the Saints are happy to oblige and raise some much-needed funds. 

Southampton will, reportedly, want at least the £18 million they spent on Lemina back if they do sell him this summer. 

Lemina first came to the attention of Europe’s top clubs whilst with Marseille. Leeds United boss Bielsa managed him at the Stade Velodrome. Speaking to France Football this week, Lemina admitted it was Bielsa’s guidance which turned him into a player Juventus decided to sign in 2015.

“I think it’s not really in my game that they made me evolve, but they made me mature, they allowed me to gain leadership. They made me trust myself and my qualities. 

“That’s what I missed in Marseille, for example. Today I know which player I want to be. Working with Bielsa, I needed to progress, because it’s really hard, it takes a lot of concentration.”

Leeds United fans will no doubt understand his comments. Bielsa has transformed some of the current Elland Road crop into genuine stars with his coaching style. Kalvin Phillips, for example, has gone from average and reliable to £30 million rated and a necessity. 

So if Lemina does head off to one of the Premier League’s top sides for big money, Leeds’ head coach would have had a hand in it.