Godwin ObajeNapoli Move Could Scupper Leeds United Goalkeeper Pursuit as €19m Release Clause Comes into Play
Leeds United’s hopes of landing Serbian international goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic may be slipping away as Serie A champions Napoli intensify their interest in the Torino shot-stopper.
The Whites have been tracking the 28-year-old, who has long been admired for his imposing presence and consistency in Serie A. However, the Yorkshire Evening Post understands that a deal for Milinkovic-Savic has never looked especially likely from the Leeds end, and their hopes now appear to be fading further with mounting interest from the Italian giants.
According to multiple reports in Italy, Leeds have made enquiries about the availability of the Torino number one, who has a release clause of slightly above €20 million for clubs outside of Italy. However, for Italian sides, the clause is understood to be marginally lower — around €19 million — which Napoli could be set to exploit.
Well-known Italian transfer journalist Alfredo Pedullà reports that Napoli have “started to gather concrete information again and could decide to make a move” for the player, signalling their renewed intent after previous interest. He also claims that Leeds are “still pushing”, but that Milinkovic-Savic has made his preference clear, with the Naples outfit believed to be his ideal destination.
The situation now puts Leeds in a difficult position, particularly if the Serbian opts to remain in Italy. While the club has been actively exploring options in the goalkeeper market, missing out on a target of Milinkovic-Savic’s calibre — and at a relatively modest release fee — would represent a setback in their recruitment efforts this summer.
Leeds have been linked with several goalkeepers in recent months amid questions over their current squad depth and long-term planning for the position. Though the club’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic was serious enough to prompt contact with Torino, insiders have always suggested that it was a long shot given the competition and the player’s standing in Serie A.
Milinkovic-Savic, who stands at 6ft 8in, has carved out a strong reputation in Italy with consistent performances for Torino and the Serbian national team. His combination of shot-stopping, aerial dominance, and distribution has made him one of the more reliable goalkeepers in the Italian top flight, drawing attention from several high-level clubs across Europe.
With Napoli now seriously considering activating his release clause, and the player reportedly favouring a move to the reigning Serie A champions, Leeds may be forced to pivot towards alternative options in the market.
While there remains time in the transfer window, the growing competition — and the player’s apparent preference — leaves little room for optimism for those at Elland Road hoping to see the Serbian international arrive in West Yorkshire.
Godwin Obaje
