During the summer transfer window, Leeds United were repeatedly linked with a move for Filip Helander.
In June claims came from Italy of Leeds having interest in the Swedish international, and a potential transfer was priced at around €6m. Whilst the story didn’t become too persistent, it was still an exciting option for Leeds fans who thought an extra defender could help.
Corriere di Bologna carried the story on into July and said Bologna would agree to sell to Leeds United if a ‘financially advantageous’ offer arrived. The Championship club were said to be showing an ‘insistence’ to sign Helander, but the rumours all seemed to be coming from Italy.
Monday’s edition of Corriere di Bologna covers Leeds United interest again, and says Helander’s future hasn’t been ‘entirely secure’ because of the transfer interest.
But things have taken a turn upwards in terms of the defender’s Bologna career. It’s reported Helander has got a chance and put three good games together, yet Corriere di Bologna point out ‘the hardest part is yet to come’.
That’s the ‘confirmation’, so Helander has to prove it’s not just a blip of good form, but a sign he should be crucial to Bologna. No pressure then.
In the summer, or even ahead of it, a decision needs to be made. Helander’s current deal runs until June 2019, and if Bologna don’t renew the 24 year old’s contract, his value will start to drop.
Much is going to depend on the chances the defender gets between now and January, and then the summer, with Leeds United interest having to wait in the wings. What is pretty certain is that Leeds managing such a signing would be further confirmation of their rising status.
