The Haaland of Defenders: Leeds United Nearly Signed £77m Star Over Diego Llorente
Leeds United has long been known for its shrewd transfer moves, but recent reports have revealed that the club narrowly missed out on a game-changing defensive signing. According to insider sources, Leeds came close to signing Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol—now one of the most sought-after center-backs in world football—before they ultimately opted for Diego Llorente.
Josko Gvardiol, dubbed the “Haaland of defenders” due to his imposing physicality, versatility, and world-class potential, was valued at around £77 million when he moved from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in the summer of 2023. However, Leeds had the opportunity to acquire him at a fraction of that price before his breakout seasons in Germany and his impressive displays at the 2022 World Cup.
Back in the summer of 2020, as Leeds were looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League, then-manager Marcelo Bielsa and sporting director Victor Orta identified Gvardiol as a prime target. The Croatian had just started to gain attention for his mature performances at Dinamo Zagreb, but he was still a largely unproven teenager. Leeds reportedly had the chance to sign him for around £18 million—a bargain compared to his current market value.
However, Gvardiol ultimately chose a move to RB Leipzig, which offered a clearer path for his development and a stepping stone to Europe’s top leagues. Leeds, on the other hand, turned their attention to Diego Llorente, signing the Spanish international from Real Sociedad for £18 million. While Llorente brought experience to the squad, his tenure at Leeds was plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, leading to questions about what might have been had Gvardiol arrived instead.
Since moving to Leipzig, Gvardiol’s stock has risen rapidly. His combination of speed, strength, and technical ability has seen him become one of the most dominant young defenders in Europe. In the Bundesliga, he quickly established himself as a key player, and his performances in the Champions League and on the international stage with Croatia have further solidified his reputation.
His standout moment came during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was instrumental in Croatia’s journey to the semi-finals. His ability to marshal the defense against some of the world’s best attacking players earned him widespread praise, and it became clear that his potential was limitless.
By the summer of 2023, Manchester City saw him as the ideal partner for Ruben Dias and splashed out £77 million to bring him to the Etihad Stadium, making him one of the most expensive defenders in history.
For Leeds United, missing out on Gvardiol is a classic case of “what could have been.” The club has struggled defensively since their return to the Premier League, with Llorente often sidelined and unable to provide the stability that a player like Gvardiol might have offered. A Leeds backline anchored by the Croatian alongside Liam Cooper could have transformed the team’s defensive fortunes and pushed them further up the Premier League table.
The situation also highlights the fine margins involved in football scouting and recruitment. While Leeds opted for Llorente—a proven international with La Liga experience—Gvardiol was seen as a risky, albeit promising, option. In hindsight, Gvardiol’s potential was clear, and had Leeds been able to land him, they might have secured one of the best defensive talents of his generation.
Though Leeds United fans can only wonder what a defense led by Josko Gvardiol would look like, the near miss is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football transfers. Gvardiol’s rise to prominence as the “Haaland of defenders” serves as a testament to his incredible talent and the fact that sometimes, the biggest risks in the transfer market offer the greatest rewards. As he continues to develop at Manchester City, Leeds will no doubt rue the missed opportunity to sign one of the game’s next great defenders.
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