‘A star’: President says reported £25m Leeds target will leave in 2021, but not January

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Leeds United target Jose Campana will leave Levante sooner rather than later but president Quique Catalan is hoping to avoid losing the Spain international in the January transfer window, speaking to Marca.

The president may be in luck.

Having only just forced his way into Luis Enrique’s plans, making his long-awaited international debut at the age of 27 this month, it seems unlikely Campana would risk his place in Spain’s 23 by changing clubs midway through the season.

Campana has played the best football of his career at Levante during the past 12 months or so.

And, with Euro 2021 looming on the horizon, the time for a fresh challenge in a new country will surely come after this season is completed.

“When the circumstances arise, Campana will fly (the nest),” Catalan says.  

“I would like him to end this year, to do a season (at Levante) and play the European Championship. He will fly there. I am convinced that financially he is a great asset.

“He is a star who demands a lot from himself because he knows he is a very good player and thinks everyone has to be at the same level as him. And you have to tell him ‘Jose, we can’t all be the same as you’. 

“He is a great guy. He deserves what is happening because he has managed to overcome a time when he was not focused on football.”

Catalan has already admitted to Marca that Campana, who he values at £25 million, has expressed a desire to leave Levante at some point in 2021.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds go all-out for the one-time Crystal Palace playmaker again after seeing a £13 million offer knocked back in September (SuperDeporte).