Godwin ObajeLeeds United Closing in on £25.5m Nikola Krstovic Deal as Lecce Eye Replacement
Leeds United are edging closer to securing the signing of Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic in a deal worth £25.5 million, with progress dependent on the Italian club lining up a replacement.
While Leeds have already completed the signing of Lukas Nmecha with minimal fuss earlier in the window, their pursuit of Krstovic has taken longer to navigate. Sources in Italy now suggest that a breakthrough is imminent, with Corriere Dello Sport reporting that Lecce have identified FC Basel’s Kevin Carlos as a leading candidate to fill the void left by the Montenegrin international.
The 25-year-old forward has been on Leeds’ radar for several weeks, and the Whites have remained patient throughout negotiations, despite the player’s initial reluctance to leave Italy. Krstovic has been a standout figure in Serie A, and convincing him to make the switch to the English game has been a key hurdle in negotiations.
A move to Elland Road now looks increasingly likely, with discussions said to be at an advanced stage and the structure of a deal largely agreed. Once Lecce finalise a deal for Carlos or another alternative, Leeds are expected to push the transfer over the line.
Despite the acquisition of Nmecha earlier this summer, Leeds manager Daniel Farke made it clear that another centre-forward would be added to the ranks as the club prepares for life back in the Premier League. With Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph offering limited depth behind Joel Piroe last season, a reshaped attacking unit has long been in the pipeline.
Krstovic is seen by many as the ideal addition. Described by one source as a “one-man attack”, the striker brings a unique combination of movement, physical presence, and sharp finishing to the table. Known for his ability to produce chances from seemingly innocuous situations, he is also an adept finisher inside the box.
The Montenegrin’s stats speak volumes. Last season, he produced an impressive expected goals (xG) output and maintained a strong conversion rate — attributes that will be essential in the Premier League as Leeds seek to avoid the same attacking stagnation that hurt them in previous campaigns.
Crucially, Krstovic’s versatility means he could operate alongside Piroe or offer an alternative profile up front depending on the tactical approach Farke deploys. His ability to press from the front and contribute defensively will also appeal to Leeds’ high-octane style under the German manager.
The hope at Elland Road is that the long-winded pursuit will finally pay off in the coming days, with Krstovic emerging as the latest key piece in an ambitious summer rebuild. With a deal now hinging on Lecce completing their own transfer business, Leeds are poised to strike as soon as the green light is given.
Should the move be completed, Krstovic would become the club’s third major signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Nmecha and Jaka Bijol — as Farke’s squad begins to take shape ahead of a crucial return to the top flight.
Godwin Obaje
