Leeds United have secured promotion back to the Premier League, and a crucial summer lies ahead. As Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton have shown, surviving in the top flight is no easy task.
Investing in new players is essential, but smart recruitment and tactical management are just as important—something that has raised concerns over Daniel Farke’s ability to keep the club afloat.
Despite earning three promotions in his career, Farke’s record of just six wins in 49 Premier League games is troubling. As a result, Leeds’ owners, the 49ers, are reportedly considering replacing him. One of the candidates being linked is Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Who Is Giovanni van Bronckhorst?
Van Bronckhorst is a Dutch football manager with a respectable, albeit mixed, track record. His coaching journey began at Feyenoord, where he started as Ronald Koeman’s assistant and later led the Under-21s. In 2015, he was promoted to first-team manager. He won the KNVB Cup in his debut season and then guided Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years.
After a short stint in China with Guangzhou R&F, he returned to Europe to manage Rangers. There, he led the team to a Europa League final—ultimately losing on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt—and won the Scottish Cup.
His most recent role was at Turkish side Beşiktaş, where he lasted just five months before being dismissed in November 2024.
Interest from Leeds United
According to The Guardian, Van Bronckhorst is among three names being considered to replace Daniel Farke, alongside Davide Ancelotti and Roger Schmidt.
While working as a pundit during a Champions League match between Barcelona and Inter, Van Bronckhorst was asked about the Leeds rumours. He responded: “Yes, I read about it. But there’s nothing going on at the moment. Are Leeds a nice club? Definitely. I’m enjoying life now, but I think it would be nice to be back on the pitch.”
Van Bronckhorst’s Playing Career
Yes, Giovanni van Bronckhorst enjoyed a long playing career, making over 700 appearances across club and international competitions. A left-back by trade, he was also comfortable playing on the wing or as a defensive midfielder.
He contributed significantly in attack as well, scoring 72 goals and providing 86 assists for clubs including Feyenoord, Rangers, Arsenal, Barcelona, and the Netherlands.
Basic Information
Date of Birth: February 5, 1975 (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Age (as of May 2025): 50
Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
Clubs Managed
Feyenoord – 2015 to 2019
Guangzhou R&F – 2020
Rangers – 2021 to 2022
Beşiktaş – 2024
Managerial Record
Team
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
PPM
Points
Feyenoord U21s
25
11
6
8
1.56
39
Feyenoord
176
109
24
43
1.99
351
Guangzhou R&F
23
8
4
11
1.22
28
Rangers
68
42
11
15
2.01
137
Beşiktaş
20
10
4
6
1.70
34
Total
312
180
49
83
1.89
589
Trophies Won
As Manager:
Feyenoord
Eredivisie: 2016–17
KNVB Cup: 2015–16, 2017–18
Johan Cruyff Shield: 2017, 2018
Rangers
Scottish Cup: 2021–22
Europa League Runner-up: 2021–22
Beşiktaş
Turkish Super Cup: 2024
As Player:
Feyenoord: KNVB Cup (1994–95, 2007–08)
Rangers: Scottish Premier League (1998–99, 1999–2000), Scottish Cup (x2), League Cup (x1)
Arsenal: Premier League (2001–02), FA Cup (2002–03)
Barcelona: La Liga (2004–05, 2005–06), Champions League (2005–06), Spanish Super Cup (2005, 2006)
