Leeds wanted 33-year-old free agent in August, he’s now retired and become top-tier club’s sporting director

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Ahead of the final couple of weeks of the transfer window back in August, Leeds United fans were growing frustrated at a lack of activity from Daniel Farke’s side.

Leeds had made four signings before the final fortnight of the window in Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, Joe Rothwell and Jayden Bogle. But Rodon was on loan and Cairns was signed as a third-choice goalkeeper.

Indeed, Leeds had hardly improved the starting XI. But then that changed when the Whites made moves for Largie Ramazani, Manor Solomon, Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt, appeasing Leeds fans to a degree.

Leeds were linked with a whole host of other players. One was a free agent that had won the Switzerland League title on two occasions, earning 31 Switzerland caps, and playing in the Champions League.

• READ MORE: Leeds wanted a £44m striker in January 2023, now he could join Tottenham

Leeds United wanted to sign free agent Michael Lang

In the end, Max Wober stayed put at Leeds and The Whites added Schmidt to their defensive ranks. But had Wober left, Leeds might have made a move for 31-time Swiss star Michael Lang on a free transfer.

Lang decided to leave Swiss giants Basel in the summer, and Leeds were keeping tabs on Lang. But, that did not materialise and since then, Lang has been unable to find himself a new club following his exit.

So much so, that after 450 club appearances, Lang actually decided to retire in November and he has taken on the role of sporting director at top-tier Swiss side FC Wil, currently working as an apprentice.

Michael Lang would have been a solid signing for Leeds

Leeds could do with cover at centre-back, though Ethan Ampadu is fit and Josuha Guilavogui can play in the middle of the defence. James Debayo has come through the ranks and made his debut at Swansea.

But Lang is the kind of player that can play anywhere in defence and having his experience at the back might have helped Leeds in a similar way to what France international Guilavogui is currently doing.

Lang will work under FC Wil’s current sporting director Jan Breitenmoser until the end of the season. He will be tasked with sorting issues that apply from June 2025 onwards with Breitenmoser leaving then.