How Leeds United could use Julian Brandt if free transfer materialises | OneFootball

Leeds United are exploring a move for Julian Brandt on a free this summer. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the playmaker is set to leave Borussia Dortmund at contract end and Leeds expect competition, including from at least one club in the Champions League.

Brandt’s versatility could give Daniel Farke several options if a deal is struck. Here are three potential roles.

As a Brenden Aaronson replacement in a 3-4-2-1, he could mirror last season’s hybrid job, defending on the right then drifting inside with Jayden Bogle advancing and Joe Rodon sliding wide. He thrives in tight central pockets and has the vision to unpick defences. He would need to match Aaronson’s out-of-possession work and would be cutting inside onto his weaker foot.

In a 3-5-2, he could operate freely behind two strikers, with Noah Okafor or Lukas Nmecha joining Dominic Calvert-Lewin. That space between the lines suits him, allowing combinations in the half-spaces with wing-backs Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Width from the pair would feed two forwards and onrushing midfielders.

A 4-2-3-1 switch when chasing a lead would let Brandt play as a classic No.10. He could link with wingers, such as Okafor and Willy Gnonto, or stay central to work off Calvert-Lewin and threaten goal himself. This approach may require a top-level right-winger, with Gnonto or Daniel James not favoured by Farke, and it carries obvious defensive risk.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk