Leeds United appoint former Barcelona star Thomas Christiansen as new manager
Championship side have announced ex-APOEL boss as Garry Monk's replacement at Elland Road
LEEDS UNITED have named former Barcelona striker Thomas Christiansen as their new manager.
The Elland Road side have finalised the finer terms of the deal today for the 44-year-old.
Championship side Leeds have been searching for a new boss since Garry Monk, who has since joined Middlesbrough, left the club three weeks ago.
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And they believe that the ex-Spanish international is the ideal replacement.
Christiansen was approached by owner Andrea Radrizzani after he took APOEL to the last-16 of the Europa League last season.
His side topped their group ahead of Greek giants Olympiakos and then went on to topple Athletic BIlbao before they were knocked-out by Anderlecht.
Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear said: "Thomas was someone who had been on our radar from the very early stages of the process and quickly established himself as the outstanding candidate.
"We are confident we have found a man with who can work with us to take the club to the next level."
He also secured the Cypriot first division title during his first campaign in charge, but the club surprisingly opted against renewing his 12-month contract.
His previous job before APOEL was a two-year stint at fellow Cyprus side AEK Larnaca.
Christiansen had a two-year stint there following a spell as assistant coach at Al Jazira.
Back in his playing days the Dane, who was born in Hadsund but opted to represent Spain at international level, came through the ranks at Barcelona.
The legendary Johan Cruyff promoted him to the senior squad and he eventually made his debut as sub in the Uefa Super Cup final against Werder Bremen.
That was followed up by him playing the full ninety minutes against Atletico Madrid in a Copa del Rey clash but he left the Nou Camp without ever playing a La Liga match for the Catalans.
Upon signing for them in 1991 he agreed to a clause in his contract stating he would be a Spanish citizen so he would not count towards the foreigner quota in the league.
He represented La Roja at Under-21 level before winning two senior caps, scoring once.