Three of Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay Copa America squad that Leeds United should look to sign

Bielsa has won huge praise for his work as Uruguay coach since taking over, producing big wins over Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, often selecting players who are not often called up by Uruguay.

Here are three of his Copa America squad that Leeds should consider this summer:

Nicolas Marichal (Dynamo Moscow)

The 23-year-old spent the last two seasons in Russia after playing for Nacional in Uruguay. Called up by Bielsa and capped earlier this year with Uruguay’s U23 side, he was included.

He was an unused substitute against Panama as he awaits his first senior cap, but the versatile full-back is more than capable of playing centre-back and right-back, or left-back, and Leeds need a right-back.

Jamie Shackleton could be set to join Connor Roberts and Luke Ayling in leaving Leeds, while a move for Joe Rodon looks increasingly unlikely. The Dynamo defender would cover both positions at Leeds.

Maximiliano Araujo (Toluca)

Araujo got Uruguay’s campaign off to a flying start on Monday morning, scoring the first of Uruguay’s three goals that spanned 90 minutes. Crysencio Summerville is expected to leave Leeds in the coming weeks.

With Jaidon Anthony gone and Willy Gnonto likely to join Summerville, Leeds need wings and Araujo would be a super plus. The 24-year-old Toluca star was “sensational” as Uruguay secured victory.

Araujo will not only provide cover on the left flank, but will also provide much-needed support for Junior Firpo, where he often plays for his club side. A wonderful signing, but probably ambitious.

Brian Rodriguez (Club America)

After playing for LAFC in the MLS, the 24-year-old Rodriguez joined one of America’s biggest clubs from Club America. Since then, he has scored 17 goals in 66 games for them, becoming a regular for Uruguay.

Technically excellent, Rodriguez is capable of playing on the flanks and with Leeds needing numbers, he would be a top addition. Inter, who cost America a fee of £4.75m, tried Europe once more.

But a spell in Almeria did not go according to plan. Now a bit older and wiser, he could be the perfect complement Leeds need in the back third, especially with the coaching he’s received under Bielsa.

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