Leeds United Join The Race For This Young German Fullback: Why They Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from Bild is believed to be true, Leeds United are eyeing a summer swoop for Lukas Ullrich. But the Whites are not alone in the hunt, with fellow Premier League outfits Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion also keeping close tabs on the Borussia Mönchengladbach left fullback.

The Germany U21 international is representing his nation in the ongoing U21 UEFA European Championship. He was involved in their group-stage victory over England, but has primarily been the understudy to Nathaniel Brown so far in this competition. While it remains to be seen whether Antonio Di Salvo involves him against the Young Lions on Saturday’s final, Ullrich’s emergence in the Bundesliga has alerted the West Yorkshire hotshots.

After a brief spell with local teams Weißenseer and Borussia Friedrichsfelde, the youngster joined Hertha’s academy ranks in 2015. Despite featuring for their reserves, he was eventually released by the Berlin club. Mönchengladbach snapped him up on a Bosman a couple of summers ago, and the gaffer, Gerardo Seoane, promoted the defensive ace as a first-team regular since November.

BERLIN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 15: Lukas Ullrich of Borussia Moenchengladbach scores his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on February 15, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Ullrich netted once and laid on twice in 26 league appearances [stats via Transfermarket] in the 2024-25 season. Mönchengladbach wants to keep hold of their prized asset, but his contract situation at Borussia-Park could see them listen to offers in the summer window. With two years left in his current deal, the German side should maximise the financial profit unless they convince him to stay beyond June 2027.

Why Leeds United Are Chasing The Youngster

Daniel Farke, who was in charge of Mönchengladbach before Seoane, is eyeing a raid on his former employers. He has been highly successful in the Championship, having led Norwich City back to the top flight twice before. However, he could not prevent them from being relegated on both occasions, and therefore, must be desperate to turn things around after guiding Leeds United back to the Premier League by clinching the Championship crown.

The Elland Road chief should opt for quality additions over quantity to attune to the challenges of English top-flight football. They are expected to be without Junior Firpo, who is likely to return to Real Betis once his contract expires this month. Sam Byram will be a free agent soon, thus leaving Leeds with no outright left-back if the pair do not renew.

Ullrich has impressed with his flair, marauding runs, crosses and cut-insides. But he has also exhibited his maturity while maintaining shape in the defensive third. A move to Yorkshire should see him secure a regular role in English football.