Ryan Nolan confirms he nearly joined Leeds United last summer

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Talented young Irish defender Ryan Nolan has confirmed he nearly joined Leeds United last summer, as he looks for a new club 12 months on. 

The 21-year-old has been speaking to Sky Sports about his next move and it is clear he wants to make his way to the Premier League with his next stop. 

Had things worked out differently, he might already be there as a Leeds player. 

“Like a lot of Irish lads I grew up watching the Premier League,” Nolan told Sky Sports. “Last year I was close to coming here, Leeds United were very interested, but this year I’m hoping to get a move sorted before the end of the summer transfer window. There’s a couple of Championship clubs interested and one Premier League club as well.”

Nolan went on to discuss his love of Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United, especially Nemanja Vidic, stating he ‘loved the way’ the defender played the game. Nolan even got to train alongside the Serbian legend as a 16-year-old at former club Inter Milan, calling it an ‘incredible experience’. 

What happened with Nolan and Leeds?

As reported by FC Inter News last summer, it seemed that Leeds had agreed a deal to sign both Nolan and Argentine striker Facundo Colidio from Inter Milan’s Primavera side. However, despite a three-year deal reportedly being in the offing, Nolan reportedly rejected the move as he was set to be loaned out to Scottish side Kilmarnock.

Nolan then headed elsewhere, joining Italian Serie C club Arezzo. He picked up an ankle injury and ended up joining AS Giana Erminio before the global health crisis stopped football in its tracks. 

Now, it appears he is ready to head England but it would seem unlikely Leeds are going to rekindle their interest, despite their current sweep of talented youngsters. 

The Whites clearly had a plan for Nolan’s signature, which involved him getting regular football in Scotland throughout 2019-20. That didn’t happen and going back to the deal now would seem an odd move from the West Yorkshire side.