Zulte Waregem’s Bryan Verboom has commented on Leeds United’s summer interest in him.
Zulte Waregem left back Bryan Verboom has told Belgian newspaper Het Laaste Nieuws, as quoted by Voetbal Nieuws, that he was blocked from joining Leeds United over the summer.
Verboom, 24, came up through the ranks at Anderlecht alongside the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Adnan Januzaj, before moving on loan to Zulte Waregem in 2012, completing a permanent move a year later.
Verboom has been a regular for Zulte ever since arriving at the club, making well over 100 appearances whilst helping the club reach the 2014 Europa League qualifiers.
General view inside Elland Road
The ex-Belgium Under-21 international has caught the eye with his performances, with Voetbal Nieuws reporting back in August that Verboom had agreed personal terms with Leeds United, but was just waiting for the Championship side to finalise terms with Zulte.
Unfortunately for the left back, no deal was agreed, and he has remained in Belgium with Zulte – but has seemingly lost his place in the team under Francky Dury.
Elland Road
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Het Laaste Nieuws, as quoted by Voetbal Nieuws, Verboom has opened up on his failed move to Elland Road, claiming that Zulte wanted to find a replacement before putting the finishing touches to his move, and when they couldn’t find one, he was forced to stay.
Verboom added that Brian Hamalainen was handed the left back spot at the start of the season due to uncertainty over Verboom’s future, and the Finnish defender has kept his place, leaving Verboom frustrated – but he understands Dury’s decision.
Leeds United’s Charlie Taylor
“It was not that Zulte Waregem wouldn’t grant me a transfer, they just wanted to first find a replacement for me – and one didn’t arrive,” said Verboom. “For them it was better that I stayed.”
“It was frustrating to miss a transfer and disappear from the team because of it. I understand the coach’s position. For the team it was better that Brian (Hamalainen) started because they were sure he would stay with the club. And because the team did well, kept the coach stuck to his team. I respect that,” he added.
With Charlie Taylor out of contract at the end of the season and no sign of him extending his deal, Leeds may well be in the market for another left back in January – and it would be little surprise to see them return for Verboom.
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