Zielinski situation at Inter ‘can become a problem ‘ amid Leeds United interest for 2026

Piotr Zielinski’s future at Inter is in doubt after reports of Leeds United interest, as Poland coach Jan Urban warns the lack of playing time ‘can become a problem.’

The midfielder has dropped down the pecking order at San Siro since the arrival of new coach Cristian Chivu, as well as other alternatives in his area of the pitch.

Although the 31-year-old has made five competitive appearances for Inter so far this season, contributing one assist, it was for a grand total of just 121 minutes of football.

Zielinski struggling for playing time at Inter

“I wouldn’t say Piotr has a big problem yet, but it’s hard to say now, because it’s not clear how much he’ll play in the near future,” said Poland coach Urban in a press conference.

“If he doesn’t get more minutes going towards the next break for international duty in November, then it can become a problem.

“If someone doesn’t play regularly, he loses match fitness and cannot show what he is capable of.”

Would Urban therefore recommend that Zielinski put in a transfer request to leave Inter in January?

“He is a grown man, he has his advisors. I am sure that he’ll be able to find space, because he is a great player. The transfer window is closed right now, so he must concentrate on fighting to earn a place in the Inter starting XI.”

This nudge from the Poland international coach comes just days after reports in Caught Offside that Leeds United were preparing a January approach for Zielinski.

The 31-year-old joined Inter as a free agent from Napoli in 2024 and is under contract until June 2028, so any sale would represent a profit.