Leeds United is looking to strengthen their midfield following high-profile departures. Finland international Glen Kamara left for Rennes following a season at Elland Road.
The club’s future Archie Gray left for Tottenham Hotspur in a £35 million deal. There has been much speculation regarding the midfield in the transfer market.
One name that is always in the news is Dejan Ljubičić. The Austrian midfielder has decided to keep his intentions close to his chest as he preferred not to speak about the rumours in an interview.
“Rumours are part of football. But I don’t concern myself with them. I’m here in Cologne, where I want to perform well again. I want to show people that ‘Dejan is playing good, powerful football again’, which is what has distinguished me in recent years.”
-Dejan Ljubičić via 90Minuten
The Whites have also had a £3.3 million offer rejected as FC Köln didn’t consider it enough to part from their priced midfielder. Recent reports have suggested that the Austrian is considering his future in Cologne.
But there is also the club’s head of first-team football who wasn’t fazed by the rumours. Thomas Kessler is confident that the 26-year-old will stay. BILD also reported that Leeds will need a ‘mega offer’ to persuade the German club.
Balancing Priorities: Why Leeds United are eyeing Other Signings over Dejan Ljubičić
Credits: Imago Images
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, The 49ers are probably going to withdraw from their pursuit of Dejan Ljubičić. This is because of the high demand from FC Köln which the club doesn’t see fit for the midfielder.
With only one year left on his contract, a higher demand than his current market value is senseless. The Whites had offered £3.3 million which is close to the player’s current valuation of around £4.2 million.
A mega offer doesn’t mean something closer to this but might well meet in the double-digit million sphere. With this money, the club is better off buying someone younger like Bobby Clark or Jordan James.
Both the midfielders have been previously linked with the club and would fit Farke’s profile. Dejan isn’t old but the ask price is too much for a midfielder of his caliber.
United would also want to save some money for the other positions on the field. The Whites also lack depth on the wings, in both attack and defense.
As the transfer deadline draws close, Leeds United will have to decide fast and build a squad worthy of promotion.
