Bielsa tipped to turn Batshuayi into Leeds ‘animal’ amid transfer link – Whelan
Noel Whelan has backed Marcelo Bielsa to “bring the animal out” of Michy Batshuayi should he sign for Leeds United.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Argentine boss may already trust the 27-year-old after their time together at Marseille.
The Telegraph claim Leeds are interested in signing Batshuayi as Chelsea look to offload the striker this summer.
The Belgium international worked with Bielsa at Marseille during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 campaigns.
Whelan insisted the 65-year-old had improved every single player at Leeds since joining the club.
As such, he suggested the Argentine could turn Batshuayi’s faltering career around.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think last season, there were rumblings about maybe getting him on loan as well.
“Sometimes, managers that have worked with players before, where it’s not worked out at other clubs for this particular player, I do believe that there’s a certain element of knowing that player.
“Knowing his character, having that trust in a player, that he can go and do a job. Also, knowing you can change the fortunes of that player in a certain league.
“Marcelo Bielsa’s improved everybody at Leeds United. Absolutely no shadow of a doubt about that one. Maybe he could do the same.
“There’s a player lying deep inside (Batshuayi) that we’ve not seen yet. Maybe Bielsa could bring the animal out.”
Batshuayi netted 10 goals in 26 appearances under Bielsa at Marseille.
He spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Crystal Palace but scored just twice in 18 Premier League matches.
In other news, Leeds United have been offered chance to re-sign former star for £20million.