adminLeeds United made an approach for Anatoliy Trubin during the summer transfer window before eventually signing James Trafford.
The Whites were searching for a new goalkeeper and evidently had several names on their shortlist. Trubin was reportedly among their targets, with Leeds taking their interest a step further by submitting an offer.
However, Benfica rejected the proposal because they believed a more lucrative opportunity could emerge from Juventus. Unfortunately for the Portuguese club, that plan has not gone as expected.
Leeds United offer rejected
Ukrainian journalist Mykhailo Spivakovskyi discussed Trubin’s situation on TaToTake, with his claims also reported by A Bola in Portugal.
According to Spivakovskyi, Leeds were one of the Premier League clubs interested in the 25-year-old during the summer window. The Yorkshire side made their interest official and submitted an offer, but Benfica decided against accepting it.
At the time, Benfica anticipated that Trubin could eventually move to Juventus. They reportedly believed such a transfer could earn them between €30m (£26m) and €40m (£34.7m).
That switch ultimately failed to materialise. Leeds, meanwhile, eventually ended their goalkeeper search by bringing Trafford to Elland Road.
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were also regularly linked with Trubin throughout the summer. However, Leeds appear to have been more serious than most, given that they actually put a proposal on the table.
Benfica’s belief that Juventus would make a move seemingly prevented the Leeds route from progressing.
Benfica’s decision has not worked out
There is now an uncomfortable twist to the situation for Benfica. Trubin remained in Lisbon and has subsequently dropped out of the starting XI. His position has sparked considerable discussion in both Ukraine and Portugal.
Spivakovskyi also claims Benfica have presented Trubin with a new contract featuring a lower salary than his current deal. The goalkeeper joined from Shakhtar Donetsk for €10m (£8.7m) in 2023.
His contract circumstances at the Ukrainian club enabled him to negotiate a sizeable salary when he moved to Portugal.
Benfica are now attempting to reduce that financial commitment, either by selling Trubin or persuading him to accept reduced wages.
As a result, after turning down Leeds while anticipating a larger transfer fee from Juventus, Benfica have ended up with Trubin on the bench and are reportedly attempting to lower his salary.
Leeds United are unlikely to be overly concerned about how the situation has developed. They required a goalkeeper, explored their options and ultimately secured Trafford.
Nevertheless, the latest information provides a better indication of the extent of Leeds’ summer recruitment search. Trubin was clearly viewed as a genuine option, and Benfica may now regret being less willing to negotiate when Leeds made their approach.
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