Leeds United have reignited interest in Eduard Spertsyan on January transfer deadline day but are in a race against time to land the Armenia captain, per The Daily Mail.
Spertsyan was on Leeds' radar last year and GIVEMESPORT's Ben Jacobs revealed in February 2025 that the club made an approach to sign the Armenian attacking midfielder. A deal didn't take place, but he is a player Daniel Farke knows from his time in charge of Krasnodar.
Farke was appointed manager of Krasnodar in 2022, but didn't have the chance to manage Spertsyan because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But he coached the player and might be keen to bring his creativity to Elland Road.
Leeds Leaving it Late for Spertsyan
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Spertsyan has impressed in Russia, and his leadership has seen him captain his nation on international duty. He has appeared 25 times across competitions this season, posting nine goals and 13 assists.
Farke seems to be the main driving force behind a potential move for the 25-year-old, although a potential deal isn't "straightforward." The Peacocks are aided by the midfielder's desire to move to the Premier League.
It had been reported earlier in the day that the club wasn't expecting to conduct any January transfer business. A potential Dominic Calvert-Lewin backup was thought to be a possibility, and the Whites had been interested in Jorge Strand Larsen.
Crystal Palace have won the race to sign Larsen after agreeing a £48m deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the Norwegian striker. There doesn't seem to be an alternative for Farke, and he will be relying on Calvert-Lewin staying fit for the remainder of the season.
Farke might be enticed by Spertsyan's knack for finding the back of the net, although there is risk in swooping for a player without Premier League experience. He has spent his entire career at Russian club Krasnodar and is the league's current Player of the Year.
Spertsyan has over three years left on his contract at Krasnodar Stadium, so the Russian outfit doesn't need to cash in on their star man. It could be a case of Leeds parking their interest in the Armenian playmaker and revisiting a potential pursuit in the summer.
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Ben Jacobs has confirmed Leeds United have approached the creative attacking midfielder over a move to Elland Road.