Agent says Manchester City wanted to sign player and loan him to Leeds – Orta’s ‘combined deal’

Michał Karbownik’s agent has revealed Manchester City were keen on signing the defender and then sending him out on loan to Leeds United.

Last summer, Brighton & Hove Albion signed the 20-year-old from Legia Warsaw and immediately loaned him back to the Polish club.

Prior to agreeing a deal to join the Seagulls, Pep Guardiola’s side wanted to acquire his services.

Karbownik’s representative Mariusz Piekarski has given an interview to YouTube channel Po Gwizdku and Interia Sport have relayed his comments.

The agent has now revealed he held talks with both City and Marcelo Bielsa’s side, and it was Leeds sporting director Victor Orta who was trying to push the deal for the Poland international’s signing.

Embed from Getty Images

“We talked to City, and really often. We had weekly negotiation cycles with them. We waited for their move. City wanted to loan Michael to Leeds United right away,” Piekarski explained.

“I already knew Victor Orta, because in the old days I talked with him about the transfer of Maciej Rybus to Middlesbrough. It was he who initiated the idea of ​​a combined deal, that is to buy “Karbo” and loan him to Leeds.”

Orta failed in his efforts because the Premier League winners didn’t sign Karbownik. This allowed Graham Potter’s side to land the Pole and tie him down to a contract until 2024.

Karbownik returned to Brighton in January and has made one appearance for the English club, which came during their FA Cup defeat to Leicester City in February.