Josko Gvardiol was hot on Leeds United's radar in the summer of 2020, as the Whites challenged RB Leipzig in the race to sign the then 18-year-old from Dinamo Zagreb.
It was the Bundesliga outfit that prevailed in the battle for his signature, with Gvardiol explaining that he did not feel he was ready for the Premier League.
Gvardiol returned to Dinamo Zagreb on a season-long loan, before joining up with RB Leipzig at the start of the 2021-22 season.
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Since, Gvardiol has starred regularly for RB Leipzig, and has further underlined his credentials on the international stage with Croatia.
His performance in the goalless draw against Belgium on Thursday, which sealed his nation's place in the knockout stages of the World Cup, heralded raving reviews, as Leeds supporters took to Twitter to remind the board of what could've been.
@_L_U_F_C "If only Leeds had bought Gvardiol. What a player."
@Kylejohnson89 "Funny to think Leeds were once linked with Gvardiol. Generational player."
@Bielsaball28 "Gvardiol saying he wasn't ready for the Prem when we wanted him is the most Leeds thing ever."
@TezWardley "We would have had one of the world's best centre backs on our books."
@BenTorode4 "I knew he would be as Leeds nearly signed him 2/3 years ago but failed. Gvardiol, the Croatian centre-half is some player."
@VamosUK "Gvardiol and Gakpo. Two Leeds targets who are doing bits, imagine if we'd got both over the line."
@James_foxx "His value is now around £45m. He'd have been excellent. Just like if we got Gakpo in the summer."
@wesraper "Isn't it great watching him, De Paul, Gakpo. What could have been."
@Bielsas_bucket "Another one that got away."
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