Who is Julian Brandt? Leeds United consider free transfer for technically gifted Champions League finalist | OneFootball

Leeds United are exploring a free move for Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt as they seek added attacking quality this summer. The 30-year-old is expected to attract heavy competition, including at least one Champions League suitor.

Born in Bremen, Brandt joined Bayer Leverkusen from Wolfsburg in January 2014. Across six years he played 215 games, produced 42 goals and 52 assists, and made the Bundesliga Team of the Season in his final campaign.

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

A technician who excels as a No 10, he can also operate wide or in central midfield. He has delivered double figures for direct goal contributions in each of the last five Bundesliga seasons, including seven goals and 12 assists in 32 games in 2023/24.

It was confirmed in March that his Dortmund contract would not be renewed, allowing time to weigh options. "Let yourself be surprised. There are many ideas, not every idea is good, but there are many ideas," he told Sky Germany.

"In principle, I’m not ruling anything out. But there are things I prefer, and there are things I currently find harder to imagine. As I said: there are one or two ideas, but everything in due course."

Source: yorkshireevenpost.co.uk