Leeds United boss Daniel Farke may land Nikola Krstovic.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Thu 26 June 2025 14:10, UK
Leeds United have recently emerged as frontrunners to sign Lecce’s Nikola Krstović this summer.
Joel Piroe’s lack of Premier League experience has increased the urgency for the Whites to add to their attacking ranks ahead of the new campaign, with Krstović having been earmarked as a likely candidate to strengthen their hand.
The 25-year-old struck 11 goals in Serie A last season as his side narrowly avoided relegation to the second tier. Krstović established himself as a key figure for Lecce and ended the campaign as their top goalscorer by some distance.
Leeds took a huge stride towards signing Krstović recently, having reportedly agreed a £25.5million fee with Lecce for the frontman.
Nikola Krstovic
Krstović could be close to joining Leeds (Credit: Serie A)
Leeds will pay £25.5m for Krstović and offer him £1m per year
Krstović has also attracted interest from the likes of Roma and Milan. However, Leeds have been handed an advantage by the fact that Lecce’s demands are seen as too big by the Serie A giants.
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It now seems that Daniel Farke and Co. are growing ever closer in their bid to secure the Montenegrin’s signature. The Whites have ‘never been so close’ to reaching an agreement with Lecce, according to Solo Lecce (26 June).
The newly-promoted side have promised a fee of £25.5million for Krstović, which is understood to include bonuses relating to the player’s performance.
Leeds have also made a proposal to Krstović himself, and are prepared to offer the striker £1m-a-year to make the switch to the Premier League. That equates to a weekly wage of just shy of £20,000.
Krstović is understood to have some reservations about the possibility of Farke’s side getting relegated. Therefore, those concerns will need to be overcome if Leeds are to seal the transfer.
Daniel Farke Leeds United
Farke and Leeds have ‘never been so close’ to securing a deal for Krstović. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds must be careful not to overpay for Krstović
It is clear to everyone at Elland Road that several new additions will be needed this summer if the Whites are to consolidate their spot in the Premier League next term.
However, they should still be considered and sensible in their approach to bringing in new signings.
The 49ers are expected to back Farke heavily in the market, but that doesn’t mean they should be overpaying for any potential targets.
Season Apps Goals Assists
2024/25 37 11 5
2023/24 35 7 1
Total 72 18 6
Krstović’s last two seasons in Serie A
That could certainly be a possibility when it comes to Krstović. His goal record in Serie A is hardly prolific, and while it is important to remember that he has been part of a struggling side, you would perhaps expect more from a player who could potentially be worth £25.5m.
Leeds could easily be tempted into upping their contract offer slightly to convince Krstović to make the switch, but they must be careful to ensure they don’t find themselves overpaying for a player who may not have the impact they expect.
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