Leeds United interest in Julian Brandt state of play with ex-Borussia Dortmund star still a free agent
The latest on Leeds United interest in former Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt
Leeds United remain interested in free agent playmaker Julian Brandt, The Yorkshire Post understands.
The 30-year-old is officially unattached having seen his Borussia Dortmund contract expire at the end of last month. A 48-cap Germany international, Brandt is among the most eye-catching names on the free agent list.
Leeds were credited with interest in Brandt last month and unsurprisingly, a link to such a high-profile player got the pulses of supporters racing. However, he has since been reported as a target for an array of clubs both in England and overseas.
Leeds United remain on Julian Brandt’s trail
The Yorkshire Post understands Leeds have retained their interest in Brandt, with the playmaker’s home-finding process still ongoing.
Although the Whites are believed to be on his trail, he is also thought to be in the sights of a raft of other clubs who could yet strike a deal. Interest in Brandt is seemingly high-profile in nature, with many of the reported suitors able to offer Champions League football.
Leeds may well have aspirations of returning to the European stage one day, but their immediate focus is on consolidating in the Premier League.
Reports in Italy, meanwhile, have claimed the English top flight is Brandt’s most likely destination.
Julian Brandt’s profile
Brandt would arguably be a huge coup for the Whites and a move to LS11 would reunite him with Anton Stach, who he has played with at international level with Germany. He would also be playing under a compatriot in Leeds manager Daniel Farke.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Brandt can operate as a traditional ‘number 10’ or out on the flank. If Leeds do win the race for his signature, and stick by the formation they ended last season using, he could be deployed as one of the two advanced players in behind the frontman.
He started his career at Bayer Leverkusen, making 215 appearances and weighing in with 42 goals and 52 assists. Dortmund swooped in 2019, paying a reported £21.3m for Brandt’s signature.
Across a seven-year period, the fleet-footed creator registered 57 goals and 70 assists for the Bundesliga heavyweights.