In a recent interview with Fotbollskanalen, Leeds United target Jens Cajuste has opened up on his failed Premier League transfer. The Whites made a bid of £11m-plus for the Swedish midfield ace, whereas interest from Brentford, Wolves, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace was also reported by various outlets.
“The Premier League would have been fantastic fun. I was disappointed and I hoped to take the next step. But I have to accept it and make the best of the situation. I felt that I was ready to take the next step. But that’s how it is in football. I have to accept this.”
Told the 22-year-old FC Midtjylland star who is currently representing his nation in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.
Cajuste made his mark in Blågult colours during Euro 2020 and the growing popularity depicts his expertise at the centre of the pitch. The Danish giants are regarded for their youth development and the young prodigy is one of the most notable names nurtured of late.
Leeds, meanwhile, enjoyed a stellar Premier League return last season under Marcelo Bielsa. The iconic Argentine guided them towards a top-half finish, but the fears of ‘Bielsea burnout’ or a ‘second season syndrome’ can’t be ruled out just yet. They have not won a league game so far this campaign and the necessity of reinforcements has been highlighted time and again.
Why Leeds Would Have Been Benefitted From The Cajuste Deal
The Whites have spent more than £50m this summer to bolster the set-up, but the failure to rope in a new midfielder might haunt them in the long run. Lewis O’Brien, the other transfer target, is close to penning a long-term deal with Huddersfield Town and the gaffer might once again have to rely on the makeshifts like Pascal Struijk or Robin Koch as the understudy to Kalvin Phillips in the ‘hole’.
However, Adam Forshaw might get reintegrated following an impressive pre-season. The midfield veteran was handed his first Leeds start in nearly two years against Carabao Cup opponents Crewe Alexandra. Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich are more suited in advanced roles and the manager, therefore, must bank on the options that were already in his squad.
Cajuste offers flexibility in the middle of the park with his passing and pressing game, vision, distribution and work rate. His stakes will be higher in the coming days and therefore the Yorkshire giants must not give up the chase.
