Roma forward Ola Solbakken decides on Leeds United transfer with flight and medical booked on deadline day
Roma forward Ola Solbakken has decided against a late move to Leeds United and will instead join Olympiacos on transfer deadline day, according to Andrea Di Carlo.
The Il Romanista journalist announced on his personal Twitter page on Thursday [31 August] that everything is in place for Solbakken to join the Greek side on an initial loan with an option to buy for €4.5million (£3.9m).
In a follow-up tweet, Di Carlo added that Solbakken rejected an approach by Leeds as he preferred a move to Athens, where he is due to arrive early on Friday [1 September] to complete a medical and put pen to paper.
Di Carlo said: “Solbakken expected in Athens at 11.15 for medical visits with Olympiakos: loan with option to buy set at 4.5 million euros.
“Flight confirmed, signatures after medical examinations. Rejected the (late) attempt of Leeds, the player preferred the Greek club.”
More than enough options
It emerged on Thursday [31 August] that Leeds had opened talks with Roma over an attempt to persuade Solbakken to join them instead of Olympiacos [Daily Mail].
While it cannot be confirmed, Leeds’ interest may well have coincided with fresh reports suggesting Luis Sinisterra remains a target for Everton [Phil Hay], while Wilfried Gnonto’s future is still not 100% clear.
However, a deal for the Norway international, who played 14 times in Serie A under Jose Mourinho at Roma last season, never truly looked like it was going to happen.
Solbakken will instead get to play European football with Olympiacos this season, assuming there are no last-minute glitches when it comes to personal terms and a medical.
Failing to tempt the Norwegian into a move to Elland Road is far from a disaster from Leeds’ perspective, though, as they currently have Sinisterra, Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Ian Poveda and Daniel James in their attacking ranks.
If the window closes with each of those still at the club, that is more than enough firepower to help United seriously challenge for promotion.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites reportedly tabled an eight-figure bid for another player.