Championship title-chasers Leeds United reportedly wanted to sign Sheraldo Becker before he joined Bundesliga newcomers Union Berlin.
In another world, perhaps Sheraldo Becker would have come off the bench and helped Leeds United get the win they deserved against Swansea City with a trademark burst of jet-heeled acceleration and a pinpoint cross.
Oh well, the rampaging winger will have to make do with an inspired assist as Union Berlin made history by claiming their first ever Bundesliga win. Did we mention their 3-1 success came against the giants of Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga title-challengers stunned in a rickety old stadium where a man in a brick-walled shed changes the scoreboard manually with giant print-out numbers?
According to the Mirror (19 May, page 70), Leeds were keen to reinforce a squad which collapsed in the play-off semi-finals with a forward who enjoyed the best season of his career in 2018/19.
Becker scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in his final campaign at ADO Den Haag and, with his contract at the Eredivisie outfit running down, clubs from all over the continent were queuing up to sign the free agent.
But Union Berlin, promoted to the top flight for the first time in their 53 year history, won the race. And Becker has certainly chosen a good time to set up his maiden goal in German football.
Playing a clever one-two on the edge of the area, Becker whipped a perfect pass into the penalty area, giving Sebastian Andersson no choice but to fire a third goal into the Dortmund net. Cue wild celebrations and a special place in Union history for their new signing.
At the very same time, some 1,400 miles across Europe, Wayne Routledge condemned a dominant yet wasteful Leeds United to yet more disappointment at Elland Road.
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