The South African could not qualify for a UK work permit.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Last summer Leeds United were linked with a move for South Africa international Andile Jali.
It was reported by Voetbal Primeur in the summer that Leeds United were closing in on the signing of the combative midfielder – who plays his football in Belgium with KV Oostende.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
However, his arrival was reportedly contingent on Leeds selling players first, with Toumani Diagouraga and Luke Murphy two options. Both players stayed and the arrival of Eunan O’Kane from Bournemouth put a final nail in this transfer rumour’s coffin.
Jali went on to have a tough season, so Leeds did not miss out. He has struggled with injury trouble and played just once in the first half of the season. However, he found his fitness in 2017 and became a crucial member of the Oostende first-team, who have just extended his deal for another season.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Jali has now been speaking to the Daily Sun in South Africa. He revealed that his move to Leeds United last summer actually fell through due to his nation’s lowly FIFA ranking. That meant he could not receive a work permit to play in the UK. A move to China also fell through but he is now happy again in Belgium and will be playing in the Europa League next season.
Leeds, who have since enjoyed the emergence of Ronaldo Vieira, will not feel they have missed out.
Leeds’ Ronaldo Vieira celebrates scoring their third goal with Kalvin Phillips and Chris Wood
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
