Leeds United could rue missed chance to sign Nicolo Zaniolo as Galatasaray transfer nears completion
Leeds United may come to regret not signing Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo as Jesse Marsch’s side stumbled to yet another Premier League loss and the 23-year-old closes in on a transfer to Galatasaray.
The Whites were involved in transfer deadline day negotiations for the out-of-favour player, with the Italian giants offering Zaniolo to Leeds on a loan deal for the remainder of the season with an obligation to buy in the summer. [Corriere Dello Sport, 1 February]
And now, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano (February 5), the attacker is closing in on a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a deal which could be £22million.
Romano tweeted: “Nicolò Zaniolo already gave his ‘green light’ to joining Galatasaray yesterday — personal terms 100% agreed. Deal depends now on the clubs as bid for permanent transfer is €22m.
“Talks ongoing about the add-ons and the release clause to include into the contract.”
Although many Leeds fans believe the club completed some superb business over the winter window, there glaring attacking deficiencies were on show for all to see in the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday (5 February).
Although Willy Gnonto was a bright spark on the left wing, Marsch’s side had few other attacking threats, with Luis Sinisterra, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison all failing to impact proceedings.
Over the course of the 90 minutes, the Whites managed to register a 70% share of possession but only trouble Keylor Navas in the Forest goal on four occasions.
What they missed was an creative player who could carve open a resolute Steve Cooper defence, and you can’t help but feel that Zaniolo is the type of player who could have opened up the match in the closing half an hour.
Although he has been ostracised by Jose Mourinho this season, the Italian international has lit up the Serie A with his trickery over the past few seasons and looked like a shrewd move if they could have gotten a loan move with an obligation to buy in the summer.
As it is, Zaniolo will now likely be plying his trade in the Super Lig, and Leeds could be left watching on in envy.
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports made a major Daniel James blunder ahead of the Nottingham Forest game