Leeds are reportedly eyeing an ambitious move to sign RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen as Daniel Farke looks to bring in another striker – a player that blew Jesse Marsch away, when the American was his manager in Germany.
Poulsen, 29, has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Leipzig, after surpassing a decade with the same club – joining in July 2013 from Lyngby. The Denmark star struggled to recreate his best form during 2022-23.
Indeed, he started just four of 28 games. But his overall stats over the 10 years at Leipzig are impressive – scoring 85 goals in 358 games for the Champions League side. Often playing wide, he laid on an eye-catching 63 assists.
The Daily Mail say Daniel Farke wants to sign players he knows well, and Poulsen is one of those. Of course, Leeds have a solid connection with Leipzig – signing Tyler Adams from the German club. But also, Jean-Kevin Augustin.
Marsch praised Poulsen, after scoring in a 4-1 win over Furth in 2021, as per BuliNews: “Thank God we had Yussuf Poulsen in the second half. He turned the game around alone. Absolutely ready. We’re really grateful for his display.”
Leeds eye Poulsen: He blew Marsch away while his manager in Germany
Leeds need a new striker. Rodrigo is expected to go, while Georginio Rutter is expected to be used as a winger – where he actually played for Hoffenheim. Patrick Bamford’s future is up in the air, and he could be replaced.
So, Leeds are targeting Poulsen. Other striker targets include Joel Piroe and Sam Surridge – but Poulsen is easily a better, more-experienced option than both of those players. It is unclear how much Leeds would have to spend.
One would imagine that it might be difficult for Leeds to convince both Leipzig to sell, and then Poulsen to swap another Champions League campaign for the second tier of English football. But it is certainly one to watch.
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