New Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa could add free agent defender Jon Aurtenetxe to his squad this summer, according to Kick Off. Bielsa previously managed the 26-year-old during their time together at Athletic Bilbao.
Aurtenetxe was part of the Bilbao side that reached the 2012 Europa League Final, only to be defeated by a Falcao inspired Atletico Madrid in Germany. His career since his departure from Los Leones however hasn’t gone to plan. He ended last season in the Ladbrokes Premiership with Dundee, but he was released by manager Neil McCann following the expiration of his contract.
Nevertheless, the fact he has some experience of British football may now stand him in good stead. He clearly has a great relationship with Bielsa, albeit much earlier in his career, having spent five seasons in Bilbao, and Bielsa certainly improved his game greatly within that period.
The 26-year-old predominantly plays as a left back. He started the 2012 Europa League Final, but was substituted at half time. He has also played for the likes of Mirandes and had loan spells with Celta Vigo and Tenerife. During his stint at Dundee, he played 18 times, including the home victory against Rangers back in November 2017.
Bielsa is expected to add some foreign faces to his roster over the summer. He has never managed in the English game before, and is likely to want players that are used to his methods to try and get the best possible results. Tottenham Hotspur central defender Juan Foyth has been touted as another potential defensive target for the club.
