Switzerland international Ardon Jashari has played down reports linking him with a January transfer to Scottish giants Celtic or Premier League outfit Leeds United, speaking to the Luzerner Zeitung.
Over the weekend, when reporting on Celtic and Leeds’ interest in one of the most exciting young talents in Swiss football, Sky Germany indicated that Jashari’s departure was more a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.
Jashari, they said, ‘will leave the Swiss Super League’. Sooner rather than later, it seems.
The player himself, however, is not quite so bullish.
“I heard about the rumours,” Jashari says. “There’s no getting around that. But I’m happy now that I can get back on the pitch to train with the team.
“I have now completed two days of training with FCL. For me, the focus is clearly on Luzern, so that I can prepare well and without injury. The timing would have to be right for me to decide to switch now.”
Leeds United may face Celtic battle for Switzerland international Ardon Jashari
Capped twice by Switzerland, Jashari is clearly in no rush to leave the Swissporarena, even if there is a nagging feeling that he is already outgrowing a relatively small footballing pond. Sky add that Serie A leaders Napoli are also hot on Jashari’s heels.
Considering Napoli’s recent hit rate in the transfer market – Kim Min-Jae, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Victor Osimhen and co – interest from the Partenopei should certainly be taken as a serious compliment.
Labelled Switzerland’s answer to Jude Bellingham by some, Luzern are expected to demand around £5 million. Leeds’ interest comes at a time in which both Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw are facing uncertain futures at Elland Road. Klich has an initial two-year deal on the table from MLS outfit DC United.
“For me, Jashari is the greatest talent in Switzerland,” Luzern coach Mario Frick says of the tireless midfielder.
Jashari has captained his side during 12 league games so far in 2022/23 despite only turning 20 in July.
“He’s really good!” Frick adds. “I think this role (as one of the club’s captains) will give him an extra push.”
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