Leeds fans may have recognised the name of Josko Gvardiol yesterday as Croatia held Belgium to a 0-0 draw at the 2022 World Cup.
The 20-year-old delivered a superb display up against the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, helping his country progress to the Round of 16 stage.
While Gvardiol’s display surely pleased millions of Croatian football fans, it probably left Leeds supporters feeling a bit sick.
What’s the story?
Well, the Guardian believe the RB Leipzig No.32 has a £43.6m release clause as the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham attempt to secure his signature.
However, Leeds almost signed Gvardiol for just £17.6m back in 2020 – according to the Daily Mail.
With Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, Leeds and Dinamo Zagreb held advanced talks over a deal.
Ultimately, the deal collapsed, and Gvardiol moved to RB Leipzig, where he has truly blossomed into one of the best defenders across Europe.
The Croatian wonderkid admitted that he had doubts about moving to the Premier League at the age of just 18, which is understandable given the rigorous nature of English football.
Joining RB Leipzig has proven to be a superb decision from Gvardiol as far as his career is concerned, but Leeds fans will surely be left thinking “what if” after seeing him shine at the World Cup.
Leeds need someone like Gvardiol
With Europe’s elite clubs now sniffing around Gvardiol, Leeds probably have no chance of signing him anymore.
However, Victor Orta – Director of Football at Elland Road – still needs to find a defensive colossus similar to the Croatia international, as Leeds are leaking far too many goals.
It was the same under Bielsa, and Jesse Marsch has struggled to make things any better.
So far this season, Leeds have conceded 26 goals in 14 Premier League games, with only Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth shipping more.
Leeds have also kept just two clean sheets – only Southampton’s tally of one shutout is worse.
Clearly, those in the backline at Elland Road aren’t pulling their weight, and a real defensive leader must be signed as a result.
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