Nikola Krstovic responds to potential £30m move to Leeds United, his stance is clear
Leeds United Face Setback in Pursuit of Lecce Striker Nikola Krstovic as Summer Plans Take Shape
Leeds United are believed to be exploring the possibility of signing Montenegrin striker Nikola Krstovic in this summer’s transfer window. The 24-year-old forward enjoyed an impressive campaign with Italian side Lecce, netting 11 goals in 37 Serie A appearances last season. That form has naturally drawn attention from several clubs across Europe, including the Whites, who are aiming to bolster their attacking options ahead of their Premier League return.
Having been allocated a substantial transfer budget reportedly in the region of £150 million, Leeds have wasted little time in making early moves. So far, approximately £20 million has been spent on reinforcing the defence, with centre-backs Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw arriving at Elland Road. Bijol joined from Udinese in a deal believed to be worth £15 million, while Bornauw completed a £5 million move from Wolfsburg. Additionally, forward Lukas Nmecha has joined on a free transfer from the Bundesliga, adding further depth to Daniel Farke’s squad.
However, as Leeds United shift focus away from defence, the attention now turns to areas of the pitch where they remain vulnerable—none more so than the striker position. Despite Nmecha’s arrival, it’s widely acknowledged that further reinforcements are required up top, and Krstovic had emerged as a viable candidate to lead the line.
The Elland Road hierarchy have been tracking Krstovic for some time, with Farke reportedly an admirer of the player’s strength, work rate, and eye for goal. Across the past two Serie A campaigns, Krstovic has found the back of the net 18 times, cementing his reputation as a clinical finisher in one of Europe’s top leagues. However, despite Leeds’ interest, recent reports suggest the player himself is not particularly enthusiastic about a move to Yorkshire.
According to Calcio Lecce, Krstovic would prefer to remain in Italy, and is holding out for a move to a bigger Serie A side, with AC Milan and Roma both previously linked with him. It’s understood that the striker still harbours hopes of attracting concrete interest from one of those two clubs this summer. Lecce are reportedly demanding a transfer fee in the region of £30 million for their prized asset, further complicating any potential deal for Leeds.
Krstovic’s reluctance to join Leeds is viewed as a blow for Daniel Farke, who has already seen several transfer targets slip through his grasp in recent weeks. Just this week, Sunderland confirmed the signings of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki—two players who had also been on Leeds’ radar.
Despite this latest setback, the club is not panicking. Speaking to Leeds United News, transfer insider Graeme Bailey provided some reassurance, noting that while Krstovic had indeed been discussed internally at the club, he was never near the top of their striker shortlist.
“He’s definitely been on the radar at some stage,” Bailey said. “He’s made the list, but he’s not among the top few names being seriously targeted. There are other forwards ahead of him in their plans. Leeds are staying calm and sticking to a strategy.”
While missing out on Krstovic is disappointing, it won’t derail Leeds’ transfer strategy. The club are continuing to explore a number of options in the striker market and are expected to bring in at least one more attacking player before the window closes.
With time ticking down, securing a reliable goal scorer remains a top priority. Leeds know that the ability to convert chances at the top level could be the difference between survival and relegation in their first season back in the Premier League. The hunt for the right striker continues, and while Krstovic may no longer be a realistic option, the search for a prolific frontman remains firmly underway.