Chelsea midfielder becomes Marcelo Bielsa’s first signing at Leeds United

Lewis Baker has joined Leeds United on loan for the season, becoming their first summer acquisition. Despite rumors to the contrary, it’s not a permanent move for the 23-year-old, but rather just another loan, his fifth.

While the Championship has seen an influx of young, English managers take charge at clubs such as Swansea, Derby and Ipswich, Leeds United have taken an unorthodox route and appointed Marcelo Bielsa, a man renowned for his tactical prowess and eccentricities in equal measure. Bielsa is said to be keen on a massive overhaul at Leeds this summer to build a side that is more suited to his desired style of play, and that Baker is his first signing is encouraging.

Touted for greatness in recent years, Baker was a stand-out talent at the youth level and excelled in his two years at Vitesse Arnhem, playing a pivotal role in their first ever major trophy win — the KNVB Beker in 2016-17. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when he was on loan at Middlesbrough last season. Baker was overlooked by both Garry Monk and Tony Pulis, but did not seek a change in loan destination during the winter transfer window. Playing only 790 minutes all season, it was a hugely detrimental year to his progress and development, and he now finds himself having to work his way back.

Going by his words in the interview below, the club view him as integral to their plans and he’s just as eager to hit the ground running and prove himself once more.

Good luck, Lewis! This is your time!