The last time Giuseppe Bellusci pulled on a Leeds United shirt was all the way back in April 2016 during a home victory against Reading. Since then, he has been frozen out completely, soon being shipped out on loan to Italian side Empoli. However, he is back.
📋 #LUFC 2nd half XI v @HarrogateTown: Wiedwald, Berardi, P. McKay, Bellusci, Ayling, Dallas, Phillips, Vieira, Sacko, Hernandez, Erwin.
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 5, 2017
With his future still in some doubt, he is still a Leeds United player and Thomas Christiansen has been keen for him to get involved in pre-season preparations. Given the fact Kyle Bartley returned to Swansea City after his loan expired, there is essentially a gap at centre back which needs filling. Could the Italian be the man to do so? He’ll need to impress in pre-season if he is to.
Christiansen has been heavily linked with a number of foreign centre backs across the media in recent times. It would take something special for Bellusci to fire his way back into contention, but he played in the Italian Serie A last season, so he must have something about him? Toumani Diagouraga, a midfielder by trade, has also been used at centre back in the Harrogate friendly today. The match is ongoing at the time of writing.
With news that Bellusci is to appear in the second half team taking on Harrogate, it got Leeds fans talking on Twitter. Are they happy to see him return, albeit in just a behind-closed-doors friendly? Do they see a longer term future for him at Elland Road now the head coach has changed hands once more. Take a long at a selection of the responses below.
So happy to see Bellusci once again line up for us…..said no Leeds fan ever (I'm sure there will be the odd prat that has now)!! #lufc
— Top Tipping (@TopTipping1) July 5, 2017
I'm seeing names I don't want to be seeing. Bellusci, Cooper, Diagouraga and Erwin. #lufc
— OnTheRob (@OnTheRob) July 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/BatesyLufc/status/882593084005068801
£200 for anyone who goes straight through the back of Bellusci. Anyone else chipping in? #lufc https://t.co/dm0HEXY5F9
— Tom Brook (@TomJamesBrook) July 5, 2017
@andrearadri mate honestly don't have bellusci anywhere near the first team he's poison. #LUFC #MOT
— Danny (@Danny_5_0) July 5, 2017
Look at this way, if Bellusci is fit, he's easier to sell… #lufc
— EastStandUpper (@EastStandUpper) July 5, 2017
Leeds fans, Bellusci stays and ends up being a first team starter and bags the winner to get us promoted, would he be forgiven ? #LUFC
— Wilko (@george_lufc) July 5, 2017
Giuseppe Bellusci will play the second half of the game today. Give me strength. #lufc
— Peacock and Smiley (@peacock_smiley) July 5, 2017
