Sweden international Jens Cajuste believes he would have had ‘fantastic fun’ in the Premier League after missing out on a move to Leeds United, Wolves or Newcastle, speaking to Fotbollskanalen.
Heading into the summer transfer window, Danish champions Midtjylland were fearing the departure of five key players.
In the end, three of the aforementioned quintet remained – not a bad result, with all things considered.
While striker Sory Kaba departed for Belgium and Brentford took advantage of Matthew Benham’s Jutland contacts, paying a club-record fee for hard-running midfielder Frank Onyeka, Erik Sviatchenko, Evander and Jens Cajuste will be sticking around until January at least.
Will Jens Cajuste ever get his Premier League move?
Cajuste, a tough-tackling yet technically gifted box-to-box enforcer, had been the subject of an £11 million bid from Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United.
Crystal Palace also held an interest, as did a Wolves side crying out for a player like Cajuste, someone capable of breaking the lines, turning defence into attack in the blinking of an eye (Expressen).
Only one player completed more dribbles in the Champions League than Cajuste last season – and there are no prizes for guessing who that might be.
“The Premier League would have been fantastic fun,” says the 22-year-old, who featured off the bench as Sweden handed Spain their first defeat in World Cup qualifying since 1993 on Thursday night.
“I was disappointed and I hoped to take the next step. But I have to accept it and make the best of the situation.
“I felt that I was ready to take the next step. But that’s how it is in football. I have to accept this.”
If Steve Bruce had his way, Cajuste may be preparing for a debut against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United after the September international break.
But, according to the Northern Echo, Newcastle were priced out of a deal, an £13 million price-tag proving a little rich for the ever-unpopular Mike Ashley.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
