Former Leeds United sporting director Nicola Salerno has quit his role at Palermo after a disastrous time with the Serie A side. Palermo are on the verge of relegation to Serie B, and subsequently Salerno has walked away from the club after just a few months.
TMW have reported on a statement released by Palermo owner Paul Baccaglini, who has confirmed he’s accepted the resignation of the sporting director.
Palermo were demolished 4-0 by AC Milan at the weekend, which today cost Diego Lopez his job as the coach of the Italian club. Salerno was the person responsible for hiring Lopez, and the former Leeds United man has now paid the price.
Salerno quitting Palermo could open up the chance for the Italian to be reunited with his old friend Massimo Cellino. The Leeds United co-owner has been linked with a return to Italian football, with claims he wants to purchase Brescia.
Last month Salerno was asked whether he would consider joining up with Cellinio if he were to buy Brescia in the summer. Salerno said it’s something he would think over, but wasn’t prepared to break his contract with Palermo.
Cellino appointed Salerno as Leeds United’s sporting director when he purchased the club in 2014. The pair had previously worked together at Cagliari.
When Salerno came to Leeds United he adopted a policy of bringing in players from Italy, including the likes of Tommaso Bianchi, Giuseppe Bellusci and Mirco Antenucci.
