Dejan Ljubicic had appeared to be Leeds United’s first choice midfield target this summer.
The Whites are in the market for a more attack-minded number eight and FC Koln’s Ljubicic was the player they were pursuing earlier in the window.
Ljubicic was the subject of a failed £3.3 million bid by Leeds and all the signs were they would return with a second bid, just like they did to secure Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United.
However, nothing has really developed since then with Leeds making the decision to pursue other targets due to the fee Koln are demanding to sell him.
Much of the news in recent weeks has been around who Leeds will bring into replace Crysencio Summerville, but a new midfielder is arguably just as important.
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Leeds should move for Liverpool’s Stefan Bajcetic
Ilia Gruev proved once again on Saturday that he does not quite have the attributes to play in that more advanced midfield role.
Gruev produced some decent set-pieces and on another day, could’ve come away with a goal and an assist, but in terms of open play, he doesn’t have the creativity in his passing to really excel.
It will be interesting to see who Leeds now turn their attentions to and one player who could provide an interesting option is Liverpool’s Stefan Bajcetic.
Bajcetic actually spent almost all of the 2023/24 campaign out injured in what was a frustrating turn of events for the Spaniard after such an impressive breakthrough season the year prior.
With Liverpool in somewhat of a midfield crisis, Bajcetic was promoted to the first team by Jurgen Klopp and he went onto play 19 times, 15 of which came in either the Premier League or Champions League.
After so long out injured, though, Bajcetic is now expected to find himself behind a number of midfielders in the pecking order under new manager Arne Slot, and so regular game time could be what he needs.
That said, Bajcetic looked right at home during his stint under Klopp with Jamie Carragher even taking to Twitter to call him ‘outstanding’ after a win away at Wolves.
Bajcetic can play both as a defensive midfielder or number eight, with both his passing and ability to get on the half turn making him the kind of player Leeds need in there.
Joe Rothwell and Charlie Crew could get Carabao Cup chance
Daniel Farke will get a chance to rotate his side on Wednesday night as Leeds host Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.
Given he is yet to really land on his ideal midfield dynamic, or add to his options with a new signing, the two who didn’t start on Saturday deserve a chance.
Joe Rothwell certainly looked bright when he came off the bench and a good performance in the cup could well put him into the reckoning for the league XI.
Youngster Charlie Crew, meanwhile, impressed in pre-season and as he still awaits a senior debut, this is the perfect chance.
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