As reported by BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope, and written about on The72, Giuseppe Bellusci will not be returning to Leeds United next season, according to a source close to the player.
With major indiscretions blotting his copybook, it soon became abundantly clear that there was no way that he fit into Garry Monk’s plans for last season. Instead Bellusci headed back to his homeland of Italy and a season-long stint on loan at Serie A side Empoli.
With Empoli’s relegation to Serie B, there was a maudling dread that Bellusci could very well return back to Elland Road to see out the last year of his four-year contract with the Whites. There was hope that Serie A side Bologna wanted him, hope that would mean that Bellusci would remain in Italy before being let go by the Whites.
This seems to be something more certain than hope, according to the following tweet from BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope.
A source close to Bellusci says "He will not be coming back to the UK & we hope to sort out a deal that is best for both parties." #LUFC
— Adam Pope (@apopey) June 6, 2017
This quoted response from a “source close to Bellusci” is the clearest indication yet that Leeds United fans have had that the bad blood that is the Italian defender is staying put in his native Italy. Effectively this will see him run-down his contract at Leeds United, the Elland Road side cutting their losses on a player who many fans saw as a divisive influence at the club.
As expected, Leeds United fans have somewhat climbed over this announcement to state their views on the news.
Bellusci said to be staying – Leeds fans rejoice at the news
https://twitter.com/BStacksLUFC/status/872065389370408961
https://twitter.com/marko_richo/status/872089039301685249
— ⒹⒿ (@LeedsCARAJO) June 6, 2017
You lost me at the word defender 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— M. (@UnitedL33ds) June 6, 2017
As @NoelDavidWhelan would say…. GET INNNNNNN
— 🏆Will Beedham🏆 (@beedy92) June 6, 2017
The statement says he will not be returning to England, which will probably improve his performance for a championship defence by 50%.#lufc
— GroundHay 🇸🇯🇪🇺🇱🇺🎿 (@gavdj17) June 6, 2017
— Lee Ogden (@stackerbo) June 6, 2017
This is better than a signing!!
— Nick Cross (@clouseofbristol) June 6, 2017