Leeds United transfer decision made as Cristian Nikolaev chooses destination
Leeds United have lost out on the signing of Alcorcon teenage sensation Cristian Nikolaev, according to Sport Mediaset.
The Italian website reported [9 June] that the 17-year-old defender has chosen to sign for Serie A side Lecce despite interest from Leeds, Everton, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus.
Nikolaev has been plying his trade for Alcorcon’s B team this season, a club that has been relegated from La Liga 2, yet he has seemingly impressed with several European teams keeping tabs.
Leeds United miss out on European teenager as winner named
Although the Whites have missed out on signing, what seems to be, an exciting prospect this summer, it is certainly a good sign that the club are in the same race as teams such as Madrid, Atletico and Juventus.
While little is known about the young defender, it is clear that he has a lot of potential if some of Europe’s biggest clubs are keeping tabs.
Elland Road will be preparing for a summer of change, with the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Wilfried Gnonto and Archie Gray all being linked with moves away after missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
Due to this, Leeds will need to find cheaper alternatives to help Daniel Farke secure promotion next season, and the defence is definitely one aspect that needs looking at.
Joe Rodon’s future at Elland Road is up in the air currently, while Farke has several youngsters at his disposal, though only a few of them have managed to break through to the first team.
Charlie Cresswell could be set to depart Elland Road this summer, with Farke making his stance on the 21-year-old clear throughout the campaign, while Diogo Monteiro and Kris Moore have not managed to establish themselves in the senior team.
Farke may have to look at bringing one of those names through next season, especially after missing out on the signing of Nikolaev.
However, with the summer transfer window yet to open, Leeds will likely miss out on several more potential transfers before finding their perfect match.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have set their asking price for Charlie Cresswell after a transfer decision was made
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