Leeds United ‘to join’ Julian Brandt race as SC Braga goalkeeper link assessed | OneFootball

Leeds United are exploring a move for Julian Brandt, who has 43 Germany caps and is set to leave Borussia Dortmund when his contract ends this month.

As first reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are looking to join the chase for the 30-year-old, who started 17 of Dortmund’s 29 Bundesliga games last season, scoring seven and assisting four.

Leeds are expected to target a new number 10 this summer who can also play wide. Brandt is a 10 by trade but has featured on both flanks more than 200 times, mainly on the left, although only once last season.

At 30, he would mark a shift from last summer’s peak-age focus and, if signed, would be the oldest outfield player should 32-year-old Sam Byram not agree a renewal. His European and international pedigree, including 82 Champions League appearances, would make him a statement addition.

Roma, Lazio and Galatasaray have been linked and Brandt is expected to draw multiple enquiries.

Daniel Farke sought another versatile number 10 alongside Brenden Aaronson, who has a year left. He eventually brought in Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte on loan in January after the player initially opted for Chelsea late in the summer window.

That stint faltered, yielding one FA Cup start and three Premier League substitute appearances. The profile is again expected to be a key recruitment focus.

Goalkeeper is also under review. Karl Darlow is in renewal talks and has 11 days left on his deal, though Leeds could still look to the market.

SC Braga’s Lukas Hornicek, a 23-year-old Czech shot-stopper taken to the World Cup, is understood to be on the radar, but there is currently no firm interest.

Source: Leeds Live