Who is Julian Brandt? Leeds United explore free transfer for Champions League finalist | OneFootball

Leeds United are exploring a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt this summer. The 30-year-old attacker is available on a free and Elland Road expect competition, including from at least one Champions League club.

Born in Bremen, Brandt played for SC Borgfeld and FB Oberneuland before joining VfL Wolfsburg’s academy. Bayer Leverkusen signed him in January 2014 for around €350,000, handing him a first professional deal at 17.

He debuted in February 2014 and made 215 appearances across six years for Leverkusen, with 42 goals and 52 assists. He was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season in his final campaign there.

Dortmund paid €25m in 2019 and he has been a regular since, logging 307 games, 57 goals and 70 assists, plus a Team of the Season nod in 2022/23. He won the DFB Pokal and helped Dortmund reach a Champions League final against Real Madrid.

A technical playmaker, he is most comfortable as a number ten but has also featured on both flanks and in central midfield. A right-footer, he can cut in from the left or create from the right.

He has hit double figures for combined goals and assists in each of the last five Bundesliga seasons. In 2023/24 he recorded seven goals and 12 assists in 32 league games.

It was confirmed in March that his Dortmund contract would not be renewed, giving him time to consider options.

"Let yourself be surprised." The comments were given to Sky Germany. "In principle, I’m not ruling anything out."

Leeds want added craft in attack and see Brandt’s versatility and end product as a potential fit.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk