wicked.football

Jens Cajuste has opened up on his disappointment at missing out on a transfer to the Premier League this summer.

Leeds United were one of several Premier League clubs linked with the Midtjylland midfielder over the transfer window. Newcastle and Brentford were other suitors, in addition to French outfit Rennes, but it was Leeds whose pursuit went down to the wire. They kept him in mind right up until deadline day, without success.

Ultimately, Leeds didn’t sign any new midfielder, despite it being an area they were looking to strengthen. Their only summer signings were left-back Junior Firpo, back-up goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson and winger Daniel James.

It means Marcelo Bielsa – barring a tactical reshuffle – will have to do without the new midfielder he wanted until January at the earliest.

As for Cajuste himself, he will have to be patient before making the leap to a bigger league than the Danish Superliga. However, he felt he was ready for a transfer in the summer – whether to England or France.

Brentford seemed particularly likely suitors given their connections with Midtjylland, but Cajuste has had to stay put for the time being.

Consequently, he has revealed his disappointment at not being able to make move, even though he was not burning any bridges with his current employers.

“Of course, you’re a little disappointed. I felt like I was ready to take the next step,” he told Aftonbladet.

“But so it is in football.

“I’m not the first one it happens to and won’t be the last. You just have to have the right attitude and help the club move forward.”

Cajuste has been with Midtjylland since 2018, when he joined them from Orgryte IS in his hometown of Gothenburg in Sweden. He helped his current club win the Danish league title in 2020. They have Europa League group stage football on offer this season.

Capped seven times by his country, the 22-year-old has plenty of time ahead of him to secure a big move should he continue his progression.

Leeds to miss out on another midfielder?

Meanwhile, Huddersfield are in talks over a new deal for midfielder Lewis O’Brien following strong summer interest from Leeds.

The midfielder impressed during the 2020/21 season, earning rave reviews for his performances with Bielsa a known admirer.

Indeed, his work-rate in the Town midfield saw him crowned the club’s Player of the Year.

As such, United reportedly saw an opening £5m offer for O’Brien rejected by Town earlier in August. And with Town holding out for a fee nearer £12m, it was claimed that Leeds could look to up their offer to nearer £7m.

However, the Huddersfield Examiner claims Town held firm to their valuation with O’Brien ultimately staying put.

Now the paper claims the club are in talks with the player and his agent over extending his deal.

His current arrangement is due to end in summer 2022, though Town do hold a one-year option on that. Now though they hope to extend his contract further in a deal that will ‘reflect the midfielder’s importance to Carlos Corberan’s side’.

That will ensure his value will rise considerably and protect Huddersfield’s interest should Leeds firm up their interest in January.

READ MORE: Pundit in astonishing claim over where Daniel James could play for Leeds

The post Midfielder subject of late Leeds move opens up on transfer disappointment appeared first on TEAMtalk.