Liverpool target Josko Gvardiol has told The Times that he could have joined Leeds United when Marcelo Bielsa was in charge at Elland Road.
Gvardiol, who has been linked with a move to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the summer transfer window, has said that Leeds wanted to sign him when he was at Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatia international central defender moved to RB Leipzig in 2020 instead.
The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the world and played for Croatia at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
While outlining how close he was to joining Leeds, the defender has made it clear that he wants to play in the Premier League.
That is the goal in his career.
And this will encourage Liverpool, as they aim to bring the youngster to Anfield in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool are among the clubs who have now been linked with Gvardiol.
Transfer insider Rudy Galetti, reported last week that Liverpool are serious about signing the defender in the summer transfer window and are pushing to get a del done.
Liverpool target Josko Gvardiol on Leeds United and Premier League dream
The defender said: “I had two options, between Leeds and Leipzig [Marcelo] Bielsa was the coach and I don’t know if you know this but my goal in my career is to play in the Premier League.
“I didn’t speak with Bielsa but of course he sends a few people and they came to Zagreb.
“I met these guys and they show me it was something like a plan how they see me in their style of football.
“I mean, when they presented it everything looked good and you could maybe see yourself there in that moment.
“I knew that I needed to take a few steps more before I get [to the Premier League] one day. At the end Leipzig is a really good club and I feel good here.
“It’s important I play almost every game. I am very grateful to Dani Olmo because he was here and I spoke with him a lot of times before I decided to sign.”
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