Ola Solbakken, a forward for Roma, will join Olympiacos on transfer deadline day rather than making a last-minute switch to Leeds United, according to Andrea Di Carlo.
On Thursday [31 August], the journalist for Il Romanista tweeted that Solbakken would be joining the Greek team on an initial loan with a €4.5 million (£3.9 million) buyout option.
Di Carlo clarified in a subsequent tweet that Solbakken declined a move to Leeds in favour of Athens, where he is expected to arrive early on Friday [1 September] to complete a medical and sign a contract.
Solbakken is scheduled to arrive in Athens at 11:15 am for medical appointments with Olympiakos; the loan with an option to purchase is set at 4.5 million euros, according to Di Carlo.
“Flight confirmed; signatures following medical checks. The player chose the Greek club over Leeds, who made a (late) attempt.
There are plenty of alternatives
On Thursday, August 31, it was revealed that Leeds had begun negotiations with Roma in an effort to convince Solbakken to join them rather than Olympiacos [Daily Mail].
It is impossible to confirm, but Leeds‘ interest may have coincided with recent rumours that claim Luis Sinisterra is still a target for Everton [Phil Hay], while Wilfried Gnonto‘s future is still not entirely certain.
The Norwegian international, who appeared 14 times for Roma under Jose Mourinho in Serie A last season, was never really expected to be part of a deal.
If there are no last-minute hiccups with personal terms and a physical, Solbakken will instead get to play European football with Olympiacos this season.
Leeds‘ inability to lure the Norwegian to Elland Road, however, is far from a catastrophe given the presence of Sinisterra, Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Ian Poveda, and Daniel James in their offensive ranks at the moment.
If all of those remain at the club when the window shuts, it is more than enough firepower to support United in a strong promotion campaign.
Leave a Comment