Montreal CF midfielder Djordje Mihailovic could reportedly be one of the first new signings of the Jesse Marsch era at Leeds United.
The Whites recently replaced Marcelo Bielsa with Jesse Marsch as they look to stave off relegation. Having lost four out of their last five games, they have dropped down to 16th in the table and remain only two points above the drop zone. Thus, the Yorkshire-based club face a pivotal few months under the newly-appointed Jesse Marsch.
According to Jeunes Footeux, Leeds United are among a host of clubs interested in signing Montreal CF star, Djordje Mihailovic.
Mihailovic, 23, one of the top young prospects in American football, moved to Montreal CF from Chicago Fire in 2021 and has since taken his game to the next level. The attacking midfielder has made 38 appearances for the Canadian outfit, registering five goals and 15 assists in the process.
The USA international’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with clubs from England, Italy, Germany and France keeping tabs on his progress. Contracted with Montreal Impact until December 2023, Mihailovic could leave in the summer for around £6.7 million, the report adds.
Djordje Mihailovic to Leeds United—A smart buy for the Whites?
New manager Jesse Marsch faces an uphill task of quickly turning around Leeds United’s fortunes after a horrendous run of form has seen the club pick up just seven points from their last 10 games. As the Whites possess the worst defensive record in the division, Marsch’s first job will be to achieve some sort of stability at the back.
Post that, the American tactician can concentrate on getting the best out of the attacking players at his disposal and increasing the productivity in front of goal. Marsch does have some quality attackers in his squad but not all have performed as per their standards.
One of those is Mateusz Klich. One of the trusted members of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, Klich was the beating heart of the high-pressing, intense system that Leeds have operated in recent years. However, his sudden dip in form post-January has led to the Polish midfielder losing his place in the starting XI.
While Marsch is yet to take charge of his first Leeds game, perhaps he is already eyeing an upgrade over Klich with the potential signing of Djordje Mihailovic. An industrious, versatile and mobile attacking midfielder capable of creating chances and scoring goals, Mihailovic is making waves in the MLS and is rightly getting the recognition. He can link play, exploit the half-spaces behind defenders and deliver pinpoint crosses into the box for the forwards to feast on.
At 23, Djordje Mihailovic has a bright future ahead of him. Obviously, Marsch would have better knowledge and understanding of players plying their trades in the MLS due to his past experience of managing in the United States for close to eight years.
Leeds United could definitely do with improving their squad, and Marsch will want to put his own stamp on the squad that he inherited from Bielsa. For a reported £6.7 million, Mihailovic could turn out to be a shrewd signing and kickstart Marsch’s era at Elland Road.