Despite Leeds United’s interest in Dejan Ljubicic, FC Koln director Christian Keller is unconcerned about his future.
Speaking to German tabloid Express (25 July), the German club’s managing director discussed Ljubicic, predicting that the Austrian midfielder will continue with Koln despite their relegation from the Bundesliga.
The Whites reportedly had a £3.4 million proposal rejected for the 26-year-old international [Nancy Froston, 25 July], whose contract expires in 12 months, with Keller’s comments hinting that a considerably bigger price may be required.
In his interview, Keller stated, “I assume that Dejo (Ljubicic) will stay at FC Köln and play a very good season for us.”
“Last year, I didn’t see him playing football with the same enthusiasm we were used to; I’m glad (he) is now feeling better and more comfortable. Dejo can really make a difference for us.”
Leeds United must stick or twist on the Dejan Ljubicic transfer.
Just as United has demonstrated that they will not be held hostage over the transfer fees of in-demand players such as Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, the same strategy must be followed for their own incomings.
A £3.4 million bid for a player who was just relegated to Germany’s second division, regardless of individual performance, is far from disrespectful, especially given Koln could lose Ljubicic for free next summer.
While Keller’s words do not imply this, his confidence in the Austrian’s decision to stay is unexpected, given that his team was given the option of collecting a price for Ljubicic or risk losing him for nothing.
Given Leeds are supposedly not the only team interested in Ljubicic this summer [Nancy Froston, 26 July], the Whites must be careful of being drawn into a bidding battle with potential sums above the £5 million mark.
The Peacocks profited handsomely from Glen Kamara’s £6.8 million departure to Rennes [Beren Cross, 15 July], so they can easily locate a good replacement for the midfielder without incurring an officially recorded loss.
