Leeds United
Championship
Stunning Leeds transfer implodes, as Germany international chooses sexier club after rejecting bid
Bayer Leverkusen attacker Nadiem Amiri
An audacious Leeds United move for Bayer Leverkusen attacker Nadiem Amiri has failed, with the Germany international pushing to join one specific club instead.
News of Leeds chasing the five-cap Germany international broke on Wednesday night. Fabrizio Romano led the way, revealing the Whites had tabled a “formal bid” for the attack-minded midfielder.
A four-year contract offer was also put forward, with manager Daniel Farke understood to be the main driver behind the move.
However, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Leeds’ ambitious swoop has not succeeded.
Plettenberg tweeted the 26-year-old Amiri has “rejected” Leeds’ offer and instead heavily favours joining French giant Marseille. Per German outlet Kicker, Leeds’ failed bid totalled £5.1m.
Marseille are also showing interest in Amiri, though as yet they’ve not lodged an official bid.
However, given the player’s clear preference, it stands to reason a deal is there for the making if Marseille table a suitable offer.
Aside from being in the French top flight, Marseille also have European football to offer via the Europa League.
Champions League football could’ve been in play, though Marseille fell to Greek side Panathinaikos on penalties during the third round of the qualification stages.
While Amiri won’t be lining up at Elland Road this season, Farke and co do have other irons in the fire.
Positive news for Leeds elsewhere
Swansea frontman Joel Piroe as well as Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara are in the club’s sights.
The Daily Mail claimed Leeds have bid £10m for Piroe, while Football Insider stated an agreement on personal terms with Kamara has been struck.
Leeds have also been recently boosted by the return to training of electric frontman Willy Gnonto despite his desire to join Everton.
Gnonto had previously refused to play on multiple occasions for Leeds, though there are signs his stance is now softening.
Leeds have repeatedly made it clear to Gnonto he will not be sold this window.