Exclusive: Leeds Agreed £8.5m Fee for Euro 2024 Star, but He Rejected Elland Road Move in August

Leeds United is optimistic about a return to the Premier League after a second consecutive busy offseason in 12 months.

In 2023, they made last-minute moves, signing Glen Kamara, Ilya Gruev, and Joel Piroe at the end of August.

This year, the club did something similar at the start of the 49ers’ era at Elland Road.

With uncertainty surrounding key players like Georginio Rutter and Championship Player of the Year, Crysencio Summerville, Leeds completed four of their eight new signings between August 22nd and the window’s deadline on August 30th.

Among the new arrivals, Largie Ramazani joined from Almeria, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon came in on loan.

Ramazani, a former Manchester United youth player, was brought in to fill the void left by Summerville’s departure.

Solomon, who impressed during his debut against Hull City and earned praise from Kevin De Bruyne, is expected to be a significant upgrade from Rutter.

Leeds also strengthened their midfield by securing the signing of long-time target Ao Takana from Fortuna Düsseldorf.

However, Daniel Farke, Leeds’ head coach and former manager of Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach, faced disappointment in his pursuit of another Bundesliga-based player.

One such target was Roland Sallai of Freiburg, who was on the verge of joining Leeds.

According to sources, the club agreed on a fee of around £8.5 million for the Hungarian winger, who has over 50 international caps.

However, despite progress in the negotiations, Sallai became hesitant about the move, possibly due to concerns about leaving one of Europe’s top leagues for the English Championship.

With Euro 2024 approaching and his international career on the rise, he may have feared the transfer could harm his prospects.

Nevertheless, Leeds hasn’t given up hope. Sallai’s contract with Freiburg expires in 2025, and the club may reignite their interest during the January transfer window.

If Leeds is near the top of the Championship and in contention for Premier League promotion by then, the move to Elland Road might become more attractive for the player, who has also played for Palermo and APOEL Nicosia.

However, Leeds could face stiff competition from Turkish club Galatasaray, who, according to BeIN Sports reporter Nezih Aksener, have offered Sallai a four-year contract.

If he signs with the Turkish champions before the end of the Super Lig transfer window, Leeds’ hopes of landing the player will be dashed.

At 27, Sallai is known for his athleticism and powerful shooting, having scored eight goals last season, though only three came from 27 Bundesliga appearances.

Despite his talent, he might have found competition tough at Leeds, given the team’s depth in wide positions.

In addition to Ramazani and the highly-rated Solomon, Leeds also boasts the talented Wilfried Gnonto and the dependable Dan James.

Thus, even without Sallai, Farke’s squad is well-stocked with quality options on the wings.