Hoffenheim midfielder Steven Zuber doesn’t want to move to Leeds, according to Goal journalist Ronan Murphy.
The journalist, who specialises in the Bundesliga, made the claim on his personal Twitter page on Monday afternoon.
No offer as far as I know. He doesn't really want to go to Leeds, unfortunately.
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) January 7, 2019
That follows a tweet from Leeds journalist Phil Hay, who said that Leeds’ interest in Zuber was “genuine” and that Leeds had watched him for some time.
the Steven Zuber link is genuine and Leeds have watched him for a while so that could be done. Hoffenheim aren’t making much use of him. But he won’t be the only midfielder they’re looking at.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 4, 2019
OPINION
This isn’t the news that excited Leeds fans were hoping for. A previous report from Bild had said he might not be willing to move down to the Championship, but this seemingly confirms that he doesn’t want a move to Elland Road in January. There are other factors that go against his move too. Marcelo Bielsa demands a very high fitness level from his players and Zuber hasn’t been getting regular game time at Hoffenheim. He’s only made four appearances in the last 12 games for the Bundesliga side and might take time to adapt to the Championship. His versatility and experience would have been good though – he can play in midfielder or as an attacker on either flank, and he’s got 21 caps for Switzerland. However, the bottom line is, if he doesn’t want to come, then Leeds should end their interest now. The last thing Bielsa needs is a ‘big-name’ player who considers himself above the Championship. We can’t help but feel it’s Zuber’s loss. Leeds have a great chance of being in the Premier League next season and it could be Zuber’s best shot at playing in the English top-flight.