Phil Hay offers contrasting insight on Leeds United’s new interest in 26-y/o European ace
Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign AZ Alkmaar centre-back Pantelis Hatzidiakos this month, as Daniel Farke requires far more depth in defence.
If Leeds’ depth at the back was already an issue after three outbound loan exits for centre-backs, it was made worse by Liam Cooper being stretchered off in the second half of the opening game – seconds after scoring the Whites’ first goal of the season.
As it stands, Leeds only have two fit senior centre-backs for the trip to Birmingham City at the weekend, so new signings at the heart of defence are required
Pantelis Hatzidiakos to Leeds
After Cooper’s injury, it shouldn’t come as a shock to see that Leeds were reported by Greek outlet Sportime to have tabled an offer for AZ Alkmaar and Greek international Pantelis Hatzidiakos.
The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract this season and is said to be open to leaving the Eredivisie club, with Leeds offering €2.5million thus far, while AZ hold out for €3-4million (£2.5-3.5m).
Phil Hay sheds light
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has now spoke about the matter on Hatzidiakos, claiming that it doesn’t seem to be one the club are keen on wanting to pursue.
He spoke on The Square Ball podcast, saying this about the centre-back:
“I did ask the question about him this morning. It seemed a bit cold on that front but we know there’s the interest in Nat Phillips but as of this morning there doesn’t seem to have been much in the way of further developments.”
Hatzidiakos would be a great signing for us, especially when looking at how little we could sign him for this week.
He seems keen to leave his current club and is of a great age for a centre-back, so I don’t see that much wrong with this deal.
We’ll have to wait and see with this, but what is clear is that we need bodies through the door very soon to address this major worry.
