Leeds United Face New Transfer Setback in Pursuit of FC Koln Midfielder Dejan Ljubicic

Leeds United have encountered another setback in their pursuit of midfielder Dejan Ljubicic, as FC Koln’s managing director Christian Keller now appears confident in retaining the Austrian player.

After their initial €4 million bid was rejected, Leeds are expected to return with an improved offer. However, Keller now “assumes” Ljubicic will remain at the RheinENERGIE Stadion, potentially forcing Leeds to explore other options to replace the departed Archie Gray and Glen Kamara in midfield.

FC Koln, who are battling for promotion after being relegated from the Bundesliga last season, consider Ljubicic essential to their plans for returning to Germany’s top division, despite the Austrian international having just 12 months left on his contract.

“I assume that [Ljubicic] will stay at FC [Koln] and play a very good season for us,” Keller told the German newspaper Express. “I see Dejo laughing more often again.

Last year, I didn’t see him playing football with as much joy as we were used to.

“For personal reasons, he didn’t have an easy time and was also repeatedly set back physically by many infections. We all know that if the mind is not well for a long period, it also has physical effects.

I am pleased that Dejo is now feeling better again and is much more relaxed. Dejo can be a real difference maker for us.”

Previously, it was reported that Ljubicic was against signing a new deal to stay in Cologne. However, Keller’s comments suggest that the dynamic midfielder’s stance may have shifted.

This seems to be corroborated by Ljubicic himself, who told the Express he is “happy” in Cologne.

“I’m here and I’m concentrating on the essentials, which is to perform well again,” he said. “I just want to give it my all in training and offer myself to the new coach. That’s the only thing that counts at the moment.

“Football is a fast-moving business. I am in contact with those responsible, and my contract with FC runs until 2025. I am here and I am happy.

“There is no agreement (with any other club). Everyone knows that I will perform well and give my maximum for the club if I stay here. For me, it is just important that I get back into the rhythm, stay healthy, and find my form again.

“I like the league. I saw a lot of [Bundesliga.2] games last season too; there are a lot of good teams. I think the fans can look forward to an interesting and high-caliber league. Of course, we want to play a very good role in that.”