£27m striker explains why he snubbed Leeds move despite Radrizzani’s record-breaking reported bid

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It has been well reported that Leeds United came extremely close to signing Jonathan David from Gent. The Canadian was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, and Marcelo Bielsa’s side were the surprise late bidders.

Get French Football News revealed that Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani tabled a club-record £31.5 million bid for the exciting young forward, but the striker claims that he rejected a switch to Elland Road in favour of a move to Lille.

Lille’s accepted bid for David was £27 million (GFFN); lesser than Leeds reportedly offered to pay. The Canadian explained why he chose to snub a chance to play for Bielsa in the Premier League in an interview with France Bleu Nord, and his response might surprise a few.

He said: “Everyone knows the Premier League is a high-quality league. But my choice was dictated by the fact that I wanted above all to be sure of playing. I really liked the sports project that Luis Campos and the club (Lille) management sold to me.

“That’s really what encouraged me to join LOSC. In fact, I especially wanted to join a club where I know that I will continue to play to become better. In addition to Lille, there is a very good team with very good players and a very good collective. ”

Patrick Bamford had a really impressive season in the Championship where he scored 16 goals to help Leeds get promoted. However, it was evident that the Whites needed a more prolific striker and the reported bid for David shows that.

David had a brilliant campaign in Belgium for Gent, for whom he scored 23 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions last season.

The Canadian, had he agreed a deal to join Leeds, would almost certainly have enjoy regular game time which makes his reasoning for snubbing Bielsa’s side a little strange.

Leeds now have to focus on finding another striker. A prolific number nine to play with or alongside Bamford is an absolute necessity, and Radrizzani’s record-breaking attempt to land a top-quality centre-forward is a sign that he is prepared to get one in the coming weeks.