To say that Victor Orta had a mixed transfer record as Leeds United’s sporting director would be the understatement of the century.
Orta was at Elland Road for almost six years, and in that time they’ve made signings that went from the sublime to the ridiculous. He was responsible for the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa, as well as the less successful quartet Thomas Christiansen, Paul Heckingbottom, Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia.
The 44-year-old Spaniard helped steer the club to the Premier League after 16 years away, but he’s also been responsible for the club suffering relegation battles in back-to-back seasons.
“I am deeply saddened by the way that this chapter closes as Victor has been responsible for some of the best moments of my time as owner of Leeds United and I thank him and his people for all they have done in the past six years,” chairman Andrea Radrizzani said in a club statement.
“However, it is clear that it is time to change direction and therefore we have agreed that Victor will leave the club.”
Here’s our ranking of all 68 players Orta signed while serving as Leeds sporting director. We’ve included the youth team signings that have gone on to make competitive first-team appearances, as well as a few notable senior players that failed to actually feature for the club.
With an eclectic mix of big-money marquee signings and fresh-faced youth teamers bought for pennies, we’ve judged these players on a number of factors – value for money, how they’ve lived up to expectations, and influence (for better or worse).
68. Jean-Kevin Augustin
Three appearances. Forty-nine minutes played. Fourteen touches. Five passes. Two protracted legal cases. A total cost of £40million.
Not only the worst signing under Orta, but the worst signing in Leeds United’s history. And a strong argument he’s the worst signing at any club, anywhere, ever.
67. Kiko Casilla
Let’s not go there.
66. Laurens De Bock
Emphatically not the left-back Leeds fans were hoping for.
65. Weston McKennie
The USA international has a chance to redeem himself under Big Sam, but if Leeds suffer the drop one of the abiding memories will surely be of the Juventus loanee disinterestedly strolling about and leaving mammoth gaps in midfield.
Nothing short of a disaster as Leeds conceded 23 goals in the calendar month of April 2023. And there’s reportedly an obligation to buy him for £34million if they avoid relegation.
64. Ouasim Bouy
A total head-scratcher, Bouy…
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