‘Everyone took this decision’ – Christiansen confirms Leeds exit for 27-year-old
By Danny Wright
Thomas Christiansen has confirmed that Giuseppe Bellusci will exit Leeds this summer.
The 27-year-old was not named in the squad for the 2-0 friendly win against North Ferriby on Wednesday after featuring in the previous two fixtures against Harrogate and Guiseley.
However the controversial centre-back was confronted by sections of the Leeds support, who made it clear that they wanted him out of their club.
Bellusci spent last season out on loan with Empoli in Serie A, but the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that a permanent move failed to materialise following their relegation.
He was shipped out on a temporary deal after a public falling out with ex-Whites boss Steve Evans towards the end of the 2015/16 season, and the supporters have still not forgiven him.
However his time at Elland Road now looks to be over, possibly to the relief of the fans and the player himself.
“Bellusci is already out,” said Christiansen, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“Everyone took this decision. It was clear.
“The situation was not easy but we understood that this is best for the team and the club. We have to handle it as well as possible.”
It is understood that Bellusci will continue to train with the Whites until an approach is made for him but the Yorkshire Evening Post says that no serious offer has been made for him yet, despite interest from Italian outfits Cagliari and Benevento.
Bellusci has made a total of 61 appearances for Leeds since arriving in Yorkshire in 2014, scoring two goals.
Football Insider Verdict
It perhaps comes as a huge relief to everyone involved in the club that Bellusci is finally on his way out. It was very noble of Christiansen to offer the controversial Italian another chance at Elland Road, but it seems that some fans made it clear that he was no longer wanted at the Yorkshire club. It is reported that Bellusci has a year left on his contract with Leeds, meaning that it could be likely that both parties will agree to a mutual termination if no clubs come forward with an offer. Leeds cannot afford to have players on their wage bill if they’re not playing, and Bellusci’s former role in the first team means that he is probably earning similar amounts to Christiansen’s top players.
In other Leeds news, this 23-year-old has been confirmed to have agreed a transfer to Elland Road.
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