Leeds Front of Queue for Philadelphia Union Midfielder Jovan Lukić Amid Celta Vigo Interest

Premier League side Leeds United are leading the race to sign midfielder Jovan Lukić this summer from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union, SportsBoom can exclusively report.

Leeds are facing competition from Spanish side Celta Vigo, with both clubs showing strong interest in the Serbian midfielder following his impressive performances in Major League Soccer this season.

Premier League Bound

According to a SportsBoom source close to developments, Leeds’ interest is understood to be genuine, with the player also keen on a move to Elland Road, an indication he could be set for Premier League football next season.

While Lukić’s preference appears to favour Leeds, the Whites still face key hurdles, including negotiating a transfer fee with Philadelphia Union and fending off competition from Celta Vigo, who can offer European football after securing a sixth-place finish in La Liga.

The versatile midfielder is valued at around €3 million by Philadelphia and remains under contract until 2027, with the club holding an option to extend his deal until 2028.

Lukić joined Philadelphia Union in February 2025, becoming only the second Serbian player to represent the club, following former forward Veljko Paunović, who featured during the 2011 season.

His dynamic, ball-winning style has quickly made him a fan favourite in MLS and appears well-suited to Leeds United’s energetic system under their current project.

SportsBoom understands that no final decision has been made from a club-to-club perspective, with Leeds still engaged in ongoing talks, while Celta Vigo are also believed to be pushing strongly to secure his signature.

With plenty of time remaining in the summer transfer window, the player’s next move is expected to take shape over the coming weeks.

A transfer to either Leeds in the Premier League or Celta Vigo in La Liga would represent another major step forward in Lukić’s career. The Serbian previously played for FK Spartak Subotica (2023–24), SC União Torreense (2022–24), and FK Čukarički, steadily building a reputation as one of Serbia’s emerging midfield talents.