Victor Orta has hinted at how Leeds United's transfer policy will look going into the windows and beyond after the coronavirus pandemic.
Orta has also called on football to follow United’s lead in focusing on their in-house academy talent as the sport looks to its long-term future.
The Whites’ director of football has made it clear his approach, alongside head coach Marcelo Bielsa, will not change as they look to plot their route through 2020 and beyond.
Speaking to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, Orta made it clear Bielsa’s brave vision for a small senior squad complemented by under-23 regulars would continue.
Asked how football should change once the lockdown measures ease and fixtures return, Orta wanted to see more opportunities for young talent.
Orta’s desire all but rules out a bulking up of numbers in Bielsa’s squad for next season, with new arrivals only likely if current players move on.
“We presume a lot of academies, we presume a lot of information, we presume a lot of good methodology in the youth teams,” he said.
“It’s a good moment for the young players. It’s a good moment, against the financial situation, to give the chance to players that perhaps [wouldn’t normally play].
“Obviously, this happens in all the crises. If you analyse all of the crises, maybe with an economic problem, what happens?
“New young player from the academy. Why not now make that the philosophy? Why not, in this situation, make this step an idea.
“Why not create what we are thinking at Leeds United?
“We made this year, with the influence of a brave head coach, which is very important, 18 core, professional players and the rest are always young players, moving around the team.
“Leeds United, in the history of our club, have only ever had two games without one academy player in the line-up.
“Our fans understand this philosophy and take strength from it, pride. Perhaps this is a good moment for football to be brave and give chances to academy youth players.”
