Both Championship clubs were connected with the Ghanaian winger, but as the transfer window closed, he remained a Genk player.
There were numerous near misses of players who could have either joined Championship clubs or left for greener pastures during the summer transfer window, and one player who drew interest from multiple clubs was Joseph Paintsil.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian winger plays for Genk in Belgium and has nine caps for his country. He had a tremendous 2022-23 season, scoring 18 goals and dishing out 14 assists in 39 games.
That, of course, sparked major interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Brentford, Fulham, and Brighton all linked.
However, it appeared near the close of the transfer window that Paintsil would be headed to the Championship instead, with Leeds United one among the clubs interested in a move.
United sought €10 million for him, and he had already reportedly turned down Southampton, who were interested in him as Nathan Tella’s replacement.
A agreement to bring Paintsil to Elland Road fell through, while a prospective swap deal at Saints involving huge striker Paul Onuachu returning to Genk fell through, despite rumors that Paintsil was set to travel to England for a medical.
What did Joseph Paintsil say about turning down Leeds and Southampton?
While both Leeds and Southampton are likely to be vying for promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2023-24 season, it appears that this was insufficient for Paintsil, whose objectives look like he wanted a move to a top level team somewhere if he was going to get one.
“I’m still present. “There were a lot of rumors, a lot of possibilities,” Paintsil told Het Laatste Nieuws – via Sport Witness.
“When my agent told me that I could go to Southampton and Leeds United, I knew right away that I didn’t want to leave Genk for those clubs.”
“Look, every player has their own set of expectations. My ambition is to play in the Premier League one day. Or, at the very least, in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
“I’m not saying Southampton or Leeds are bad teams, but they couldn’t persuade me.” Last season, I expected more from myself based on my performances. I’d like to spend another season here to see what teams have to offer.
“I also have faith in our team.” Despite Mike (Trésor’s move to Burnley), we remain strong. We can compete for the crown again this year based on our strengths.”
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