Leeds United Eye £2.5m MLS Midfielder Amid Celta Vigo Battle: Good Deal For Daniel Farke? | OneFootball

Leeds United are showing keen interest in Philadelphia Union midfielder Jovan Lukić ahead of the summer window, with Daniel Farke’s side looking to reinforce their midfield for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign. The story, first reported by Italian journalist Lorenzo Lepore on X, confirms that the Whites are not alone. Celta Vigo have also emerged as serious suitors, and their ability to offer European football after finishing in La Liga’s top six adds a layer of complexity to the race.

Leeds United consider move for Philadelphia Union’s Jovan Lukić

Lukić joined Philadelphia Union from FK Spartak Subotica on a permanent deal in February 2025, contracted through 2026 with club options for a further two years. Philadelphia paid around €600,000 for him, and Spartak Subotica retain a 10% sell-on clause from that agreement. His career path before MLS took him through FK Čukarički’s academy, then spells with LASK in Austria and SC Uniao Torreense in Portugal, giving him a broad base of European experience before crossing the Atlantic.

Leeds United’s affordable route to a high-energy midfielder

Transfermarkt currently value Lukić at €2.5m, the peak of his career valuation, with Pure Talent listed as his representatives. That figure sits comfortably within what Leeds United can negotiate in the budget range they are working with this summer. His 2026 league numbers are strong: 12 starts, 1,041 minutes, 2.1 tackles and 4.3 recoveries per game paint a picture of a physically present, hard-working central midfielder who earns his place through industry.

Leeds United must move decisively or lose ground to Celta

No fee or personal terms have been disclosed, and there is no clear frontrunner between the two clubs at this stage. What does appear certain is that the Philadelphia Union stand to profit considerably from any sale, having acquired Lukić for €600,000 while his market value has since grown more than fourfold.

Will Lukić be a profitable signing for Farke?

CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 23: Jovan Lukic #4 of the Philadelphia Union warms up prior to the Conference Semifinal match between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC as part of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs at Subaru Park on November 23, 2025 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

At €2.5m, this is a low-risk, high-upside profile that suits where Leeds United currently sit in the Premier League. Farke’s priorities this summer lean heavily towards an attacking midfielder, a striker, and a left wing-back, so Lukić would function as squad depth rather than a headline signing. That is no criticism; it is exactly the type of smart, scalable business that keeps wage structures healthy and gives a manager options without breaking the bank.

His defensive output in MLS is genuinely solid. Nearly two and a half tackles and four recoveries per game signal a player who wins the ball and protects the structure. Whether that translates directly to Premier League intensity remains the honest question, but at 24 and with European experience already on his CV, the adjustment curve is not steep.

If Leeds United secure him anywhere near his Transfermarkt valuation, the deal would represent strong value. Celta Vigo’s presence raises the asking price but also validates the quality. Farke should make a move before the conversation grows noisier.