During the summer transfer window, Leeds United’s attempts to sign Dejan Ljubicic were unsuccessful. It was revealed that the Whites’ £3.3 million bid for the FC Koln player was rejected.
The Austrian international was reportedly targeted by the German team for closer to £6 million. His current FC Koln deal expires in the summer of 2019.
Ljubicic has contributed two goals and two assists in four games for the 2. Bundesliga team so far in the 2024–25 campaign. According to Geiss Blog, Christian Keller, the sports director of Koln, acknowledges that Ljubicic’s long-term future is still unknown but believes he didn’t need to do much to persuade the player to stay.
“I didn’t have to do much convincing,” Keller remarked. During the transfer window, a lot is usually written, but Dejo hasn’t moved.
“Dejo actually enjoys being here. In actuality, he is performing admirably.
“Dejo and I had an honest conversation about this (his future) both lately and at the start of preseason. He currently feels that he should focus on the season and play football that he is capable of playing.”
When the market reopens in January, it will be intriguing to see if the Whites come back with a better offer for Ljubicic. The 26-year-old might be offered at a discounted rate. According to reports from Germany, Ljubicic may try to leave FC Koln in the New Year after becoming unhappy with the club’s refusal to allow him to relocate to England.
On deadline day, United strengthened their midfield with the undisclosed acquisition of Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf. The Japan international attracted attention after entering the game late in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Hull City.
In the middle of the park, the Whites are well-stocked after gaining Tanaka. Tanaka, Charlie Crew, Joe Rothwell, Ilia Gruev, and Ethan Ampadu are vying for two berths. Following the international break, Daniel Farke’s team welcomes Burnley, their rivals for promotion, at Elland Road.
