Deniz Undav stole the show as he scored twice, including a late winner, to help Germany beat 2-1 and make it to the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time since winning it in 2014.
However, Undav was not the only super sub who starred for Germany. Nadiem Amiri’s introduction just at the hour mark was also a decisive factor in the game.
The Mainz attacking midfielder provided the sumptuous cross for Undav’s opening goal in the 68th minute, and he could have scored late as well, when he fired a shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Amiri is a name that would be familiar to Leeds fans as the attacking midfielder was one step away from joining Leeds in the summer of 2023, before the Whites refused to sign him.
Leeds United were one step away from signing Nadiem Amiri
Leeds were interested in signing Nadiem Amiri from Bayer Leverkusen, following the Whites’ relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
The Yorkshire giants had agreed a fee worth £5m with the German club, and were moving towards arranging a medical for the attacking midfielder.
Amiri even flew down to England for face-to-face talks with Leeds, and Daniel Farke was keen to sign the player who went on to become a German international.
🚨 Leeds United have formally withdrawn interest in Nadiem Amiri after talks in England yesterday. Club frustrated by additional demands made in discussions.
Flew him over but declined to pay for flight home. Deal dead.Story @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/v3Ehw4XvUJ
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 29, 2023
However, the negotiations fell apart after Leeds were left unimpressed by his camp’s additional financial demands and failed to agree on personal terms that would have led to a medical.
The attacking midfielder, whose wife was expecting a child at the time, is understood to have had reservations about moving to the Championship, despite initially showing strong interest after Leeds made their approach.
Leeds refused to even pay for his return flight to Germany. However, the attacking midfielder has now emerged as a World Cup hero for Germany.
The Whites are in the market for an attacking midfielder
With Brenden Aaronson’s contract running out, Leeds have a decision to make on his future this summer. However, they are almost certain to sign an attacking midfielder regardless of the American’s status.
Leeds are in talks with Fulham’s Harry Wilson and have offered him a huge contract to move to Elland Road on a free transfer in the ongoing window.
The Whites are also pushing forward with an ambitious move to sign Julian Brandt from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
Amiri could again move after a good World Cup this summer, but it is unlikely he would be looking at Leeds after what happened in 2023.
