Leeds United are set to miss out on German midfielder Nadiem Amiri, with the 26-year-old preferring a move to Olympique Marseille, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.
News emerged last night that the Championship side had launched an official bid for the five-time German international when Fabrizio Romano revealed that an offer had been accepted by Bayer Leverkusen. It was claimed that Leeds had offered the player a four-year deal and the ball was now in his court as to whether to accept a move to Elland Road.
Amiri signed for Leverkusen in 2019 from fellow Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim and has made 138 appearances to date, scoring 12 goals and providing 19 assists. Although comfortable across a range of positions in the midfield, he is more at home when operating centrally. It is this attribute which has attracted Leeds, although further reports emerged this morning claiming that Amiri was not convinced by the move.
According to German media outlet Kicker, the former Genoa loanee is unwilling to play in the Championship following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League and prefers a move to French giants Marseille. However, the Whites are currently the only team that have met Leverkusen’s demands of around €6 million.
This has now been confirmed by Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, who has revealed that Amiri has now formally rejected Leeds’ offer in favour of a move to Ligue 1.
ℹ️ Nadiem #Amiri has rejected an offer from @LUFC today as he wants to join @OM_Officiel. #LUFC informed ⤵️ @Sky_Marlon89 | @SkySportDE 🇩🇪 https://t.co/9jPzkrMg3g
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 24, 2023
It now appears as if Leeds will have to move on in their search for further recruits, with the transfer window set to close at the end of next week.
Writer’s View
This is undoubtedly a major blow for Leeds, who are looking to bring in Premier League-ready players as they look to escape the Championship at the first time of asking. However, this was always destined to be a speculative move, particularly as they were competing with a side that can offer Champions League football this season.
Time is running out, but there will a confidence that they can get some arrivals through the door over the course of the next week and the club are currently working on a number of potential deals, including for Swansea City striker Joel Piroe.
Be the first to comment