Sources: Victor Orta likely to be first out the Leeds United door when 49ers complete takeover
Victor Orta is likely to leave Leeds United if the 49ers complete their takeover later this year, sources have told Football Insider.
The Spaniard is into his sixth year sporting director at Elland Road, but major doubts are growing about whether he’ll retain his role for next season.
The Yorkshire side are currently owned by Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani, but a takeover from American investors 49ers Enterprises looks increasingly likely this summer.
The 49ers already own a 44 per cent stake in the club and have a deal in place with Radrizzani to purchase majority ownership before January 2024.
Football Insider sources revealed last month (14 February) that the 49ers factored in the possibility of relegation when agreeing a fee for the club’s takeover.
Orta was appointed to the Leeds board in 2017 and was a crucial part of the hiring of manager Marcelo Bielsa.
He is closely aligned with Radrizzani and should the owner be bought by the 49ers, sources say it is likely he will leave United and could be one of the first senior figures to go.
Together, Bielsa and Orta led Leeds back to the Premier League in 2020, ending a 16-year wait for the club to return to the top flight of English football.
But Orta came under fire from Leeds fans after he was spotted taunting fans and sarcastically chanting “sack the board” after the club’s 4-3 win over Bournemouth in November.
Orta issued an apology to the fanbase for his emotional outburst, and the club have endured a torrid run of results since with just one win in the league since the incident.
After sacking Jesse Marsch for underperforming this season, Orta hired compatriot Javi Gracia to try and steer the Whites clear of the relegation zone this season.
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