Leeds United are firmly in the running to land Germany midfielder Julian Brandt who is set to become a free agent in just three days’ time. The 30-year-old will officially part ways with Borussia Dortmund on June 30 after seven years at the Bundesliga club.
Brandt is widely expected to be one of the standout players available on a free transfer this summer window – handing Leeds the opportunity to snap him up at no cost. The Premier League outfit have already looked into the possibility of a deal, and securing his signature could prove to be a remarkable piece of business for the club.
Landing a player of Brandt’s calibre and pedigree would undoubtedly represent a stunning coup for Leeds. The attacking midfielder rounds off a campaign in which he helped Dortmund finish second, contributing seven goals and four assists in 29 league appearances.
Although it wasn’t sufficient to earn him a place in Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad, the 43-cap international’s quality and versatility would significantly bolster Farke’s attacking options.
Predominantly a number 10, Brandt has featured in over 200 matches across both flanks – with the majority of those coming on the left – yet operated exclusively behind Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy throughout the past season. A creative midfielder has been high on Leeds’ wishlist, having already secured their long-pursued right-wing target Harry Wilson on Wednesday, according to The Athletic.
Wilson, 29, and the potential signing of Brandt, 30, would represent a shift in transfer approach for Leeds, who last season focused on bringing in players approaching their prime – rather than those who may have already reached it.
Nevertheless, landing a player with 82 Champions League appearances and two World Cup campaigns to his name would be a remarkable piece of business and one that could propel Leeds to the next level. That said, such an impressive list of achievements means Brandt will have no shortage of admirers.
View 3 ImagesHarry Wilson has agreed a deal with Leeds(Image: Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The likes of Roma, Lazio and Galatasaray have already been credited with an interest in his signature, but the prospect of linking up with fellow German Farke and experiencing English football for the first time could prove decisive in the battle to secure Brandt.
The Whites manager has made no secret of his desire for another versatile number 10 alongside Brenden Aaronson since last year. Farke said last August: “There’s always room for more quality. Wingers who can work hard and are good against the ball, disciplined, wingers who are quick and good one vs one, wingers who can play like a 10. This (latter option) would be a good solution for us.”
The American now has 12 months remaining on his deal and Farke’s demands have grown more urgent as the new campaign draws closer. Leeds’ transfer activity last summer focused on strengthening the squad with 10 first-team additions, whereas this summer involves a smaller pool of targets that would likely prove more exciting to supporters.
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View 3 ImagesDaniel Farke has plans to improve his side’s attacking options(Image: PA)
A league-high 92.8% of the club’s squad last season fell between the ages of 23 and 29, and while overlooking that for the acquisitions of Brandt and Wilson – with the latter turning 30 next March – it could prove a move that propels Leeds beyond 14th in the standings.
With Brandt poised to become a free agent and Farke requiring quality in his position, he could represent the ideal summer capture.
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