Leeds United look set to miss out on Jens Cajuste to Premier League newcomers Brentford because of the London club’s relationship with Danish side Midtjylland, as reported by The Sun (5 August, page 61).
Thomas Frank’s Bees have already broken their transfer record to sign one Midtjylland midfielder this summer. By the time the window closes on 1 September, there’s a real chance history will have repeated itself.
Ahead of their first ever Premier League season, Brentford are confident of tying up a deal that would see Cajuste reunite with Frank Onyeka in west London.
The dynamic Sweden international, who featured for his country at Euro 2020, is expected to seal a £12 million move to Brentford despite suggestions Marcelo Bielsa had made Cajuste his main midfield target at Elland Road.
Will Leeds regret missing out on Jens Cajuste?
You can see why Bielsa likes him. Not only is Cajuste a ferocious tackler – he reached double figures for yellow cards last season – he’s also a progressive passer and someone capable of turning defence into attack in a split second with a trademark, slaloming run through the heart of midfield.
Only one player completed more dribbles per game than Cajuste in last season’s Champions League – and there are no prizes for guessing the identity of the man who kept Cajuste off top spot.
According to The Sun, however, Brentford are leading the chase for Cajuste with owner Matthew Benham – a sports gambling expert – playing a huge part in the deal. Benham, you see, is also majority shareholder at Midtjylland.
‘No dice’, then, for Leeds.
Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace were also keen on Cajuste but, cards on the table, we’d put all our money on Brentford hitting the jackpot.
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