RB Leipzig new boy Josko Gvardiol has told Vecernji List in Croatia that he didn’t think he was ready to join Leeds United.
Gvardiol, 18, emerged as one of the top new talents in Croatian football, and became a man in demand in this transfer window.
Sportske Novosti reported in September that Leeds were making a €20million (£18million) move for Gvardiol, with Marcelo Bielsa rating him highly.
In the end, Leeds missed out on Gvardiol as RB Leipzig swooped in and signed him, before loaning him straight back to Dinamo.
The Croatia Under-21 international has only made 18 first-team appearances for Dinamo, but now has a chance to play first-team football this season.
Had he gone to Leeds, Gvardiol may have just been cover for Liam Cooper as the left-sided centre back to begin with, before becoming a first-team star.
Now, Gvardiol has admitted that he agreed with agent Marjan Sisic to listen to any real offers that came his way, and Leeds was one of them.
Gvardiol understands just how big Leeds are and how big English football is, but he didn’t feel ready to play in the Premier League just yet – and only wants to do so when he feels truly prepared.
“I had an agreement with agent Maran Sisic to introduce me to the details when something is concrete and official, and Leeds was,” said Gvardiol. “I am aware of the size of that club, the English league and the offer that has arrived, but from the beginning I had some thoughts of my own – my game development comes first. It is still my dream to play in England, but I want to get there completely ready. Now I don’t think there was time for that step yet and that prevailed in the decision,” he added.
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