Report: Leeds made a £22.5m offer for Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas in summer

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Transfer expert Ciro Venerato has told Italian website Napoli Piu that Leeds United tabled a £22.5million offer for midfielder Eljif Elmas, but were not alone in trying to sign Gjanni Alioski’s North Macedonia teammate.

Elmas, 21, joined Napoli in the summer of 2019 and has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of Gennaro Gattuso. He has clocked up 46 appearances in all competitions since his move to Napoli, and become a regular for his country.

The former Fenerbahce star has been linked with a move to the Premier League on a repeated basis, and those rumours are only going to increase this season as he continue to shine. But it could have been very different in the summer, amid numerous bids.

Indeed, Venerato has told Napoli Piu that Leeds made an offer worth £22.5million – along with Europa League outfit Benfica and German Bundesliga duo RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund. But Napoli chose to keep the exciting midfielder.

TBR’s view – Should Leeds return for Elmas in January, or next summer?

Elmas is a top, top player. Unfortunately for Leeds, he may have already outgrown the Whites – even though Leeds are on the rise and have momentum under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa. They should return, but they are unlikely to get him.

With the likes of Champions League clubs Dortmund and Leipzig interested, Elmas’ next move should be to a team competing in the elite tournament. Finish the season at Napoli, star alongside Alioski at Euro 2021, and then join a Champions League team.

Elmas would be a stunning signing for Leeds and while they can afford him, a move to Elland Road is unlikely.