Leeds United choose not to sign ‘special’ player after being told to pay very high fee

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United are expected to make a few signings over the next few weeks having focused for much of the window on bringing cash in, and they have made a decision on Dejan Ljubicic.

The Whites have sold seven players so far, sent five on loan and waved goodbye to plenty more at the end of their contracts. Financial Fairplay is no longer an issue, with more than £80m raked in by the club.

The wage bill has been significantly reduced, too. Something the club were forced to do for two reasons, previous stewardship of the club under Andrea Radrizzani and Leeds’ failure to gain promotion last term.

But in the next few weeks. The 49ers are expected to make a few new signings and one is likely to be a new midfielder. One that can get forward and chip in with a few goals during the 2024-25 campaign.

• READ MORE: Michael Bridges says Leeds have done some “unbelievable” business this summer

Leeds make Dejan Lujbicic decision after £3.3m bid rejected

While in Germany, Leeds were reported to have seen a £3.3m bid rejected for Koln’s Austria star Dejan Ljubicic. The midfielder is in the final year of his deal and Koln were relegated at the end of last season.

Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds were planning to make a second offer for Ljubicic, Max Wober’s Austria teammate. However, the Yorkshire Evening Post have an update on “special” Ljubicic.

They say that the club have been told to pay a ‘very high’ fee to sign Ljubicic this summer despite his contract situation. That has convinced Leeds to steer away from a second bid and pursue other targets.

What midfielder Ljubicic has said when asked about Leeds bid

Ljubicic is the kind of midfielder that Leeds want to sign, Experienced, but not old. Available, or at least believed to be, for a smaller fee than his true value due to his deal but it doesn’t look like it will happen.

Ilia Gruev looked comfortable in the role on Saturday and Tony Dorigo praised his ability from set-pieces. A goalscoring midfielder is a missing part of this side. Ljubicic left the door ajar when asked about Leeds.

“Rumours are part of football. I don’t concern myself with them. I’m here in Cologne, I want to perform well again. I want to show people that ‘Dejan is playing good, powerful football again’,” Ljubicic said.