Victor Orta leaves Leeds United as Andrea Radrizzani breaks his silence on crisis

Director of football Victor Orta has left Leeds United after nearly six years in post with owner Andrea Radrizzani confessing his sadness with the parting. The exit has been described as by mutual consent.

The Spaniard departs Elland Road with the Whites 17th in the league table, one place above the relegation zone and exactly where they finished last season. Orta’s appointment of Jesse Marsch and two transfer windows since 2022’s close scrape have failed to push Leeds away from danger.

A 4-1 thrashing at the hands of previously-threatened Bournemouth on Sunday proved to be the final straw in a relationship which began with Radrizzani hiring Orta in the summer of 2017.

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A club statement said: “Leeds United can confirm Victor Orta has left the club by mutual consent. Victor joined the Whites in the summer of 2017 and helped oversee changes at the club that led to Leeds United being promoted back to the Premier League in 2020.

“Over the years Victor and his team have been responsible for recruiting players and staff that have gone on to become legends of the club. Owner Andrea Radrizzani said: ‘I am deeply saddened by the way 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.

“‘However, it is clear it is time to change direction and therefore we have agreed Victor will leave the club. I understand supporters are hurt and upset, but now is a time for unity.

“‘We have four cup finals left to play this season and working together, I believe we can survive.’”

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