There's no doubt that Josko Gvardiol is currently one of the hottest prospects in European football right now.
The RB Leipzig defender has been in impervious form for Croatia at the World Cup, helping them to reach the Round of 16 after they finished second in Group F.
Standing in Gvardiol and Croatia's path to the quarterfinals is Japan, who beat Spain and Germany to win Group E.
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To some fanbases in the UK, Gvardiol may be a relative unknown - but not to Leeds United supporters.
Back in 2021, the 20-year-old centre-half revealed the Whites and then manager Marcelo Bielsa pulled out every trick in the book to try and sign him from Dinamo Zagreb a year earlier.
Leeds charm offensive saw them call Gvardiol daily as well as presenting the defender with a presentation to outline how he would fit in at Elland Road.
And while receiving a phone call personally from Bielsa had Gvardiol highly interested in a move to Leeds, he ultimately opted to sign for RB Leipzig due to the potential rigours of the Premier League which he felt he was not ready for.
"Bielsa personally, as well as the people from the club called me on daily basis,” said Gvardiol back in 2021.
"It was amazing. I couldn't believe such a big club and a great manager like him would consider me for their team. And it was always my dream to play in England too.
"It was during the summertime. I came there, and they've presented me with a great video presentation of my skills, both defensive and attacking ones.
"And I was like 'wow, they've really nailed this. I'm moving to Leeds.' But then, I've had the same feeling after meeting at Leipzig. You suddenly become more realistic once you get the offer in front of you.
"I reminded myself I'm only 18 and I'm not really sure how would I fit at Leeds, especially with all that packed schedule. I'd probably got massacred there at this phase.
"I liked the way both Leeds and Leipzig approached me, but I've decided Germany is the better option for my long-term development. Leipzig wanted to keep me at Dinamo until Dayot [Upamecano] leaves, and they've guaranteed me I'll come in once he goes, which will probably happen in the summer."
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