Leeds United are reportedly considering a bold move to bring West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan back to Elland Road, as reported by Football Insider.
With growing pressure on current boss Daniel Farke after an inconsistent start to the season, the Whites could trigger Corberan’s £2 million release clause, stealing Baggies’ boss as they look towards a Premier League return. Leeds are cash-rich following their takeover and are hell-bent on getting back into the top flight themselves.
The 49ers Enterprises, who own Leeds, are keen to turn the club’s fortunes around following their relegation from the Premier League, and see Corberan as a strong candidate for the managerial role. Corberan, who was previously an assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, has since made a name for himself, leading West Brom to playoff contention last season and keeping them at the top of the Championship this year.
Baggies Soaring
The Baggies have soared under Corberan’s guidance, with their latest 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle placing them at the top of the Championship table. Josh Maja’s second-half strike secured the three points, continuing West Brom’s impressive start to the season.
Corberan’s tactical acumen has been key to the Baggies’ resurgence. In less than two years, he has transformed a struggling team into promotion contenders. His ability to blend resolute defending with attacking flair has earned praise from many pundits, including Don Goodman of Sky Sports, who has lauded the Spaniard for bringing balance and solidity to the team.
Leeds Keeping Tabs on Corberan
Despite Corberan’s success at the Hawthorns, reports indicate that Leeds are monitoring their former assistant closely. Football Insider suggests that Daniel Farke is already under pressure after Leeds’ slow start to the campaign, picking up just eight points from five games. Should Leeds’ hierarchy decide to part ways with Farke, Corberan has emerged as a primary target to replace him.
Former Everton chief Keith Wyness has suggested that a move to Leeds is very much possible for Corberan, even with West Brom being a direct rival in the promotion race. Speaking to the Insider Track podcast, Wyness said, “If there’s a buyout clause, and in Corberan’s case I believe it is around £2million, then Leeds just need to pay that fee – and it can happen.”
With the managerial “transfer window” concept only a talking point at this stage, Leeds have the potential to lure Corberan away mid-season if they decide he is the man to lead their promotion charge.
Who is Carlos Corberan?
Carlos Corberan’s managerial journey began in 2013 when he took charge of Alcorcón’s B team in Spain. Prior to that, he had worked as a fitness coach and youth coach but found his true calling in management. His first significant role came when he joined Villarreal, overseeing the club’s C and B teams, where he developed a reputation for his tactical acumen and emphasis on player development.
Corberan’s career took a major step forward when he moved to Cyprus to manage Doxa Katokopias and later Ermis Aradippou. However, his big breakthrough came when he joined Leeds United in 2017 as Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant and U23 coach. Working under Bielsa, Corberan soaked in the Argentine’s high-pressing, intense style, which significantly influenced his coaching philosophy. He was pivotal in Leeds’ development and promotion to the Premier League, leading the U23s to the Professional Development League title.
In 2020, Corberan took on his first English managerial role at Huddersfield Town, where he guided them to a Championship playoff final in 2022. He later joined West Bromwich Albion in 2022, where he has transformed them into genuine promotion contenders. Corberan’s blend of tactical innovation and man-management skills has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young coaches in the Championship.
Writer’s View
This potential move for Carlos Corberan makes complete sense from Leeds United’s perspective. His previous connection to the club during Bielsa’s tenure gives him an edge in understanding the ethos and culture at Elland Road. More importantly, Corberan has shown immense managerial growth at West Brom, turning them into one of the best teams in the Championship. Leeds need someone who can guide them through the ups and downs of a promotion race, and Corberan’s success in the same division positions him as an ideal fit.
However, there’s a big risk for both parties involved. West Brom are in a strong position, and Corberan has the chance to see through the job he started, potentially taking them to the Premier League. For Leeds, there’s no guarantee that swapping managers mid-season will provide the immediate results they’re craving. Both clubs are eyeing promotion, so disrupting either setup could create more instability than success. But with Leeds’ ambition and the financial power behind the 49ers, they may feel this is a gamble worth taking.
