Leeds United have Philadelphia Union’s Jovan Lukić on their transfer agenda for the summer.
The midfielder graduated from FK Čukarički’s youth system and then joined Austrian side LASK in 2023.
Later that year, he returned to Serbia to join Spartak Subotica, who sold him to MLS side in February 2025. His performances for the American club have seen Leeds United and others take notice.
He played 56 matches for Philadelphia Union so far of which 17 are from this calendar year.
The 24-year-old’s league stats per game this year are as follows:
- Appearances: 14
- Starts: 12
- Total minutes: 1,041
- Minutes per game: 74
- Interceptions: 0.7
- Tackles: 2.1
- Possession won (final third): 0.2
- Recoveries: 4.3
- Clearances: 1.2
- Blocked shots: 0.3
- Duels won: 3.6
Leeds United face Celta Vigo battle
The Serbian could have opportunities to return to Europe in the upcoming window. That’s according to journalist Lorenzo Lepore, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover the latest.
In a short report, Lepore claims Daniel Farke’s side and Celta Vigo are both showing keen interest in Jovan Lukić. These two clubs could tussle for his signature in the coming weeks or months.
The Serbian was one of the best U23 midfielders in MLS last year and seems to have extended his good run in 2026.
Lepore makes no mention of a price or whether the player and/or Philadelphia Union are open to doing business. There’s also no indication who among Leeds United and Celta Vigo are ahead in the transfer race.
Sportske in Serbia relay his claim on the Whites and Celta and share more updates on the potential move. The American club paid around €600k to sign the player and can make profit if they were to sell him this summer.
Affordable deal for Leeds United
Jovan Lukić has a contract expiring at the end of this year, with an option for another two years.
Transfermarkt value him at €2.5m, which is the highest value of his playing career, and agency Pure Talent are representing the player.
The figure quoted is affordable for Leeds United. If Philadelphia Union were to demand a slightly higher figure, it’ll still be within the Whites’ reach.
Earlier this month, Sport Witness relayed news of Leed United and Brentford’s interest in Birmingham City’s Jhon Solís. The Blues signed him on loan from Girona and are likely to make his stay permanent.
