Leeds United are yet to make any new signings this summer, but things have started to develop in the last few days with some key targets being revealed – including Julian Brandt.
Leeds have a big summer ahead. There will be a bit more flexibility in the transfer market this time around, after Financial Fairplay prevented Leeds from spending much more than the £100m they did.
GET HIM IN: On a free, Julian Brandt would be Daniel Farke’s best Leeds signing 🔥
Better than Ampadu, Rodon and Stach.
After a season in the Premier League, Leeds have more cash to spend and a bit more room. Potential sales could also help Leeds increase their FFP position, while the change to SCR helps Leeds long-term.
One option to emerge is Germany playmaker Julian Brandt. The experienced Bundesliga star is set to be available on a free with his contract at Dortmund coming to an end, and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz is a fan.
Kai Havertz said Julian Brandt was better than Erling Haaland
Right now, Erling Haaland is arguably the best no.9 in the world. Some will say Harry Kane is the best and there is certainly an argument for that, but in terms of poachers, Haaland remains right up there currently.
Of course, Haaland is a Leeds fan. Born in Leeds and son of former Leeds star Alf Inge, Haaland has often shown his allegiance towards Leeds, including a moment with Stuart Dallas on the international stage.
Leeds want Brandt but are aware that other clubs are interested, including Champions League clubs. But if Leeds do pull off what might be Daniel Farke’s best signing, Havertz will surely be fully across the move.
Back in 2020, Havertz said that Brandt was better than both Haaland and Jadon Sancho, with all three in the same side that would eventually finish second to Bayern Munich, scoring 84 goals in 34 games.
He told Kicker: “I wrote to him (Brandt) on Tuesday after the game. Sancho and Haaland aren’t playing too badly either, but at the moment he’s the best player at (Borussia) Dortmund.”
Why is Julian Brandt leaving Dortmund on a free transfer?
Leeds are expected to be in the market for an attacking midfielder. Brenden Aaronson remains the club’s only no.10, a position that has evaded Leeds in the transfer market ever since Farke was appointed.
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Back in the Championship, Leeds saw moves rejected for Fabio Carvalho and James McAtee. In January, Leeds signed Facundo Buanonotte on loan from Brighton but the Argentine failed to have an impact.
According to Dortmund’s managing director Lars Ricken, the club and Brandt have parted on mutual terms: “There were open discussions and we agreed that his expiring contract would not be renewed.
“We can only be grateful to him. He played for us for seven years. He will turn 30 in a few weeks. We will reorient ourselves, an opportunity for both sides. We part ways with a great deal of appreciation.”
If Leeds get a deal over the line for Brandt, it would be a sensational signing. Whether Leeds do manage to bring Brandt in is a completely different question, but Farke is clearly pushing for a transfer.
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