Leeds United have reportedly set their sights on Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic and will push for a move this summer.
According to TMW, Torino manager Ivan Juric is keen to retain Lukic’s services. But the club will reportedly part with the Serbia international for the right price.
Lukic rose through the ranks at Partizan’s academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2015. However, he failed to cement his spot in the first team and moved on a year later, joining Serie A club Torino.
After a brief loan spell with Levante, Lukic has established himself as a vital cog in Torino’s machine. The 24-year-old has made 113 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing one assist.
He was a bright spot in Torino’s miserable campaign last season in which they flirted with relegation but eventually finished 17th. Lukic, who has been capped 18 times by Serbia, has three years left on his current contract with Torino.
What will Sasa Lukic add to Leeds United?
Leeds United lack depth in central midfield. Marcelo Bielsa’s current options at the position are Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas, and Mateusz Klich, so their pursuit of Lukic makes sense.
The Serbian primarily operates as a central midfielder but he can play in a more advanced role as well. He has good technical ability and is solid in possession. His vision and passing range allow him to unlock defences with ease.
Lukic is not the strongest of midfielders, but his skill and ball control make him hard to dispossess. Last season, Lukic averaged 0.7 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game. He also boasted a pass success rate of over 80%.
He also has a great engine and works hard off the ball, which should hold him in good stead at Leeds United. However, he can often lunge into tackles and give away cheap fouls in dangerous areas. Last season, he averaged nearly 1.5 fouls per game in Serie A.
But at 24, he still has plenty of time to improve his game, and a top manager like Bielsa will be able to get the best out of him.
Lukic is certainly not going to slot straight into the Leeds lineup, but he can serve as a capable backup to Klich and co. and further develop his skills before challenging for a starting berth.
If he can cope with the rigours of Premier League football, he could prove to be a shrewd signing for Bielsa in the long term.
