From what appeared to be a promising start to the summer for Leeds United, it’s now not going to plan.
Movement on the transfer front for Leeds in recent days has been slow to say the least.
The hope is that the 49ers are moving silently and deals are meant to come thick and fast, as Lukas Nmecha’s shock transfer came out of nowhere.
It’s one thing the owners should be praised for since their arrival at the club, as minimal leaks have come out regarding transfers.
Nevertheless, it appears as though a major target will no longer be signing as an ‘agreement’ is in place.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic points ahead whilst playing for Torino vs Inter Milan.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Leeds United set to miss out on Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
A main part of the 49ers’ transfer master plan this summer is finding a goalkeeper.
It’s been made very clear that Illan Meslier doesn’t want the number two role and will look to start a new chapter elsewhere this window.
Although nothing seems to be progressing on that front, Fenerbahce are looking to sign Meslier, despite his calamitous performances this campaign.
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Meslier’s departure was always likely, which means a Premier League-level replacement was needed, and that was expected to be in the form of Leeds target Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
However, in recent days, Napoli have prepared a move for Milinkovic-Savic, and now the Serbian appears to be heading in one direction.
Tuttomercato report that the side from Naples have now reached an ‘agreement’ for the 28-year-old, and it’s been made clear that Antonio Conte’s side want everything finalised quickly before Napoli’s upcoming training camp.
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Milinkovic-Savic flaw which Leeds might have dodged bullet with
Although it’s disappointing that the goalkeeping giant is now unlikely to make a move to Elland Road, other targets can be explored.
Robin Zentner could now be Leeds’ priority with Daniel Farke already likely to have a link through the Bundesliga.
This could make the transfer easier, but what makes missing out on Milinkovic-Savic better is his major flaw.
A Premier League goalkeeper will need to be good with his feet, and by looking at Milinkovic-Savic’s passing, it certainly raises concerns.
Milinkovic-Savic’s passing statistics for Torino last season
Pass accuracy % 64.2%
Long ball accuracy % 35.3%
Although this works in Farke’s favour, it’s still a shame that a £19m deal for the Serb won’t happen, as he would’ve no doubt been a presence in between the sticks for the Whites.