‘I understand’: Manager reacts as his £5m ace turns down Leeds United move
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso insists he is ‘not mad’ at Nadiem Amiri after the Germany international turned down a move to Championship outfit Leeds United.
During what is turning out to be a rather pleasing final week of the window at Elland Road, missing out on Nadiem Amiri still remains a disappointment.
A player of his poise and panache – few players would even attempt that backheel finish let alone pull it off – always felt like a player a step above Championship level. And perhaps Nadiem Amiri came to the same conclusion; turning down a move to Leeds United even after being spotted taking in the sights and sounds of West Yorkshire
Alonso, meanwhile, insists that there is still a future for Amiri at Bayer Leverkusen, even if the Bundesliga champions have already made it clear that they were happy to cash in.
Leeds United miss out on Nadiem Amiri
“Nadiem will remain with us,” the Liverpool legend says, via BuliNews. “I’m not mad at him. I can understand when players need to think throough a decision.
“We now expect him to make an effort for us. He’ll be in the matchday squad tomorrow.”
According to The Athletic, Amiri held face-to-face talks with Daniel Farke at Leeds’s Thorp Arch training ground after The Whites had a £5 million bid accepted. The deal then collapsed due to a combination of financial and personal reasons.
Leeds, at least, have offset any frustration by bringing in fellow midfielders Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen and Glen Kamara from Rangers respectively.
Leeds, at least, have offset any frustration by bringing in fellow midfielders Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen and Glen Kamara from Rangers respectively.
“It feels good. I can’t wait to get started to be honest,” Kamara tells the Leeds website. “We have a great manager and fanbase here, along with good players.
He said: “I can play box-to-box, (as a) ‘six’ or ‘eight’. It depends. And, hopefully, I can show everybody how good I am.
“I had a good conversation with the manager recently. I don’t want to reveal too much, I just have to bring it. Go and show it on the pitch.”
