(Credit: Imago)

Krstovic decides on Leeds transfer offer as Lecce line up replacements

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

27 Jul 2025, 1:40 am

Nikola Krstovic has been heavily linked to Leeds United throughout the summer transfer window.

The Montenegro international is on the back of a superb season at Lecce, where he helped the Italian side avoid relegation from the Serie A.

As a result, Leeds were said to have bid for Krstovic as Daniel Farke looks to add to his attack.

Now, the transfer saga has developed further as the start of the Premier League season edges closer.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up

Daniel Farke is keen to add to his attack this summer ahead of the new Premier League season (Credit: Imago)

Krstovic rejects Leeds United

Farke has been keen to add to his attack throughout the transfer window.

It is said that Leeds are closing in on Igor Paixao after the Brazilian impressed for Feyenoord.

However, it now seems unlikely that Krstovic will be added to their attack ahead of the upcoming season.

Nikola Krstovic for Lecce in all competitions last season
Appearances	38
Goals	12
Assists	5

Krstovic heavily impressed for Lecce in the 2024/25 campaign

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, page 25 (27 July), while the striker is awaiting calls for a potential move, the 25-year-old has turned down the Yorkshire club.

This comes amid Lecce’s search for a potential replacement, with Ivan Stulic and Kevin Carlos being considered.

It is not said why Krstovic rejected a move to Elland Road, as Krstovic continues to search for a new club.

Igor Paixao is heavily linked with a move to Leeds United this transfer window (Credit: Imago)

Krstovic would have struggled in the Premier League

As good as Krstovic has been in the Serie A, there is a solid chance that he would have struggled in the Premier League.

Italian football is vastly different to English, and the fact that he only scored 11 goals last season means he would have likely netted fewer for Leeds this year.

Farke needs a striker who can score 12 goals plus if the Yorkshire outfit are to stay in the top-flight.

Hopefully, the German now moves on to other targets who are proven in the Premier League.

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Nikola Krstovic