Pantelis Chatzidiakos reveals why he turned down Leeds United transfer
Pantelis Chatzidiakos admits to have the option to move to Leeds United and AEK Athens before he ended up joining Cagliari this summer.
The Greece international, who was at AZ Alkmaar before moving to the Italian club, appeared to be considering his options.
Greek outlet Sporttime reported in August 2023 that the Whites had agreed on personal terms to sign the 26-year-old, but as he’s revealed recently to radio station Era Sport, he felt it was too risky to move to Elland Road.
Sporttime’s Giannis Chorianopoulos transcribed Chatzidiakos’ comments and relayed them on Twitter, “I had a call from AEK Athens and also I had the option of Leeds United but I didn’t want to take the risk.”
Not needed
Daniel Farke and Leeds both would not have wanted players that do not feel they’re up to the challenge.
It was never going to be easy for a relegated club in the Championship, especially Leeds, where there were new owners, new managers and a major squad overhaul.
It was important that every player that signed wanted to be at the club, and it seems like the Greek defender did not really fancy a move to Elland Road.
On paper, he seems like a good fit, but the Whites brought in Joe Rodon, someone with Championship and Premier League experience instead.
Ethan Ampadu can also play as a centre-back while Djed Spence’s signing could see Luke Ayling deployed at right centre-back at some time this season.
The squad does appear to be in good shape to not just qualify for the play-offs but also challenge for an automatic promotion spot.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player now faces over 12 weeks out of action due to injury if the worst-case scenario takes place.