Giuseppe Bellusci looks to return to Leeds United and join the team in training after a permanent move has failed to materialize in Serie A. Empoli, where Bellusci spent the 2016-17 season on loan, had a deal in place to keep him after the season, but since they were relegated (go figure) the deal is off. He’s been linked to a couple different moves, including one where Cagliari would sent Leeds Poland international centre-back Bartosz Salamon. And while Bellusci would like a permanent move back to Italy, he is still on the books at Leeds United and so back to training he will go.
Giuseppe Bellusci back in Leeds and due to train with the club this week. No progress on a move to Italy yet. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) July 2, 2017
The news that Bellusci will be back with Leeds will cause something between anger and depression for Leeds fans. He was an unpopular figure in his time at Elland Road, with his mindbogglingly bad defending combined with a terrible attitude. Hyped as being the next great defender for the team after his transfer from Catania, his time for the club has been one large disappointment after another. While he showed flashes of talent, at times his decision making left most fans questioning his sanity.
Bellusci Goal v Bournemouth 16 Sep 2014 LUFC https://t.co/WjiVO1rTPO via @YouTube
— Andrew Ward (@AJW1978) July 12, 2015
If one was to find an example of what Bellusci’s time at the club was like, two matches stand out. First, the good. Away at AFC Bournemouth in September of 2014 seems like a lifetime ago, and given how terrible everything else has gone for Bellusci’s time at Leeds, it might as well be. Bellusci scored an absolute cracker of a goal on a free kick to put Leeds up 2-1 in a game that Leeds would go on to win 3-1.
Giuseppe Bellusci v Rotherham #LUFC #NeverForget
— #WALMOT (@WALMOT333) November 22, 2016
Popey and Whelan Commentary pic.twitter.com/KHaPL0jDQe
And then the bad. While there are plenty of things to choose from, if anything summed up the defender’s questionable decision making, it would be his “clearing” attempt at Rotherham United in April of 2016. Simply put, it was a moment of madness that lead to an unlikely victory for a 10 man Rotherham United team that were struggling near the bottom of the pitch at the time.
Reminder re: Bellusci.
— Simon O'Rourke (@simon_orourke) June 6, 2017
Refused to play
Almost snapped Cook in half in training
Told Taylor & Mowatt they're not allowed to take FKs (tbc)
Bellusci’s time at Leeds should be at an end. He wants to go back to Italy, the fans of the team would start a bucket campaign for airfare to send him back, he just needs to go away. Thomas Christiansen may want to meet him and see him in training before making any final decisions, but trust the fans on this one, TC, put Bellusci on a plane back to Italy. Like today.