NEC Nijmegen striker Ole Romeny is flattered by interest linking him with the likes of Leeds United and Norwich City, telling Fox Sports that discussions could soon be held regarding a summer move.
At the age of just 20, a lethal centre-forward from the Dutch second tier already has his pick up the clubs.
Voetbal International reported this week that Romeny could be handed an opportunity to learn from one of the most legendary managers in the game today – a certain Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.
If he doesn’t fancy ‘Murderball Wednesdays’, however, maybe the chance to don the yellow and green of Norwich will appeal.
Then again, there are also some rather bigger offers on the table too. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus are interested too.
No wonder he’s flattered, as the eyes of Europe turn to Nijmegen.
“That interest is nice, but the most important thing for me is to keep developing,” beams Romeny, who has nine goals to his name this season.
“It is nice to hear and it gives me confidence because they are watching me. If those clubs show interest, we’re going to talk about it.
“But getting minutes is the most important thing. I don’t want to go somewhere where there is no clear plan, where you don’t play or are immediately rented out to a club you don’t really want to go to.”
It is the third paragraph which should have the ears of Leeds fans sticking up like a dog hearing the rustle of a crisp packet.
After all, Bielsa is famed for throwing unproven youngsters in at the deep end. In his eyes, age counts for nothing and Romeny will be handed plenty of chances in the famous white shirt if his attitude matches his ability.
What Romeny doesn’t want, it seems, is to be nothing more than a number, forced out on loan or thrust into the reserves waiting for a chance that never arrives.
With that in mind, Leeds might be a little more tempting for him than Man City and Juventus – and we don’t say that often.
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