Leeds United have confirmed they have parted company with director of football Victor Orta
The club released a statement earlier today that the Spaniard had left his role by mutual agreement.
Owner Andrea Radrizzani said: “I am deeply saddened by the way that this chapter closes as Victor has been responsible for some of the best moments of my time as owner of Leeds United and I thank him and his people for all they have done in the past six years.
“However, it is clear that it is time to change direction and therefore we have agreed that Victor will leave the club.
“I understand supporters are hurt and upset, but now is a time for unity.
“We have four cup finals left to play this season and working together, I believe we can survive.”
The Whites are currently enduring a difficult period as they are in serious danger of getting relegated to the Championship.
Sunday’s disappointing 4-1 loss at Bournemouth saw them drop to 17th in the standings, level on points with Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
The Yorkshire club dispensed with Orta’s services following that defeat, and manager Javi Gracia will follow the Spaniard out of Elland Road.
Orta joined the Whites from Middlesbrough in 2017 after Radrizzani took over the club from Italian entrepreneur Massimo Cellino.
The 44-year-old was widely praised for his initial work at the club as he convinced Marcelo Bielsa to become their manager in 2018.
The Argentine led his side to Premier League promotion two years later, ending a 16-year absence.
However, the appointment of Jesse Marsch to replace Bielsa wasn’t successful.
The American boss secured top-flight safety last season, but he failed to improve their fortunes this term despite some heavy investment in the transfer window.
Orta struggled to appoint several top managers after Marsch was sacked in February, including Andoni Iraola from Rayo Vallecano and Arne Slot from Feyenoord.
He eventually appointed Gracia, but the move proved a colossal failure. Leeds have lost six of their 11 league matches under Gracia.
