Kalvin Phillips might be a crucial player for Bielsa, but his future is up in the air. He is continually being linked (Daily Mail) with a move to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. The Whites have kept a price tag of £30m on the midfielder and given today’s market; one wouldn’t put it beyond Villa or Tottenham to put in that kind of bid.
Therefore it is essential for the Whites to keep a keen eye on Phillips’ replacement. One name that has been linked with the Whites is Ivan Sunjic. The Yorkshire club are apparently looking at the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder as a contingency for losing Phillips in this window.
Sunjic on Leeds interest
However, the Croatia u-21 captain was recently asked about his future, and he revealed that he is only focused on Dinamo at the moment. Sunjic was quoted as saying (Sportske Novosti), ”Honestly, I do not do it (Reading rumours about Leeds interest), I do not read websites and media, I’m focused on Dinamo. Behind me is a good season, team and personnel, though, clearly, it can be better. I recently signed a contract; I’m just here; I’m just thinking of Dinamo.”
The 22-year-old is a big talent in his homeland, and many see him as the heir to Luka Modric in the national team. As Sunjic mentioned, he signed a new contract just a few months ago and is currently contracted to stay with the Croatian heavyweights until 2024.
Why might Sunjic be reluctant to a Championship move?
The way Sunjic talked about his focus on Dinamo, it seems to us that he might be reluctant to move. Moreover, the Croatian heavyweights won the title last season and will also play European football. Therefore Leeds United might find it hard to lure the 22-year-old midfielder.
However, with money in hand, things can change quickly in the transfer market. With Phillips’ money, Leeds United can sign someone like Sunjic. But as things stand, the midfielder doesn’t seem to be too keen on a move away. Moreover, the midfielder had previously been linked with Inter Milan. So the player might think that he can easily earn a move to a top-flight club if he decides to leave Dinamo.
It remains to be seen now what would transpire in this transfer window with a lot of scenarios depending on Phillips’ move. Ideally, Bielsa should keep hold of the Englishman as this is going to be a very crucial season for the Whites.
