Leeds United are reportedly among a host of clubs in the race to sign Luzern midfielder Ardon Jashari. That is according to Sky in Germany, who claim Red Bull Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are currently leading the race ahead of Celtic, Leeds, and Serie A leaders Napoli.
Though it has been made clear that Leeds' priorities lay at both left back and striker, a new midfielder would do Jesse Marsch's squad no harm. Question marks have been asked over the Whites' depth in that position, with Marc Roca and Tyler Adams clearly the current first choice pairing.
However, beyond that, Adam Forshaw has continued to struggle with injuries this season, Sam Greenwood still looks more comfortable further forward and Darko Gyabi is only 18. So, with that in mind, here is everything you need to know on reported target Jashari.
READ MORE: Premier League form table outlines Leeds United and Jesse Marsch's challenge ahead
Career so far
Jashari progressed through the ranks of Luzern's academy and was given his debut for the first team the day after his 18th birthday in the 2019/20 season. He was then very much forced to bide his time with his next appearance not coming until two seasons later.
It was in January earlier this year, though, that Jashari began to establish himself as a regular in Luzern's midfield and a string of excellent performances saw him become captain on the opening day of this season. He has so far gone onto score two goals and register seven assists in 40 appearances.
Lashari has been capped twice at international level with Switzerland and was included in their squad for the World Cup in Qatar. He was handed the final minute off the bench in their 6-1 last-16 defeat to Portugal.
Why would Leeds want him?
As mentioned previously, Leeds are not exactly blessed for depth in the middle of the park and given the pedigree he has already built up during the early days of his career, he would add to that. Jashari also clearly has both a good mentality to have become captain at his club at just 20 years old.
Jashari is reportedly available for around just £6 million, making this a really low risk transfer. If he is a success, Leeds will have a player on their hands with a huge resale value, but if he flops, the Whites will not lose too much.
What has been said about him?
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is said to be close to Jashari, which can only be a positive given how well he is playing at the moment. He said: “There’s no political background to it whatsoever. Ardon is part of our squad and we spend a lot of time together. I told him if we won I would wear his shirt.”
Luzern coach Mario Frick labelled Jashari as the best talent in Switzerland back in October. He said: “For me, Jashari is the greatest talent in Switzerland. He’s really good! I think this role (as one of the club’s captains) will give him an extra push.”
Jashari has reportedly been compared to Xhaka, something which he is very proud of: “(Comparisons with Xhaka) make me incredibly proud. But I have to keep my feet on the ground and continue to perform. Following a career path like Xhaka’s would be a dream.
“When I sit at a table with (older) players, they quickly realize that I’m a mature person. That’s how the players know me.”
READ NEXT:
The Leeds United players walking disciplinary tightrope ahead of five bookings cut-off
Wilfried Gnonto takes chance to hand Jesse Marsch Leeds United question amid returning stars
Jesse Marsch hits back at any Leeds United accusations the team is not improving under him
Jesse Marsch provides Patrick Bamford verdict as Leeds United hope explained
Leeds United player ratings as Illan Meslier and Liam Cooper shine in solid Newcastle stalemate
