Three ways Leeds United could line up with Julian Brandt as free transfer explored | OneFootball

Leeds United are exploring a move for Julian Brandt, who is set to become a free agent after his Borussia Dortmund contract expires, with at least one Champions League club also interested, according to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder offers versatility and Leeds have prioritised extra attacking quality this summer. Here are three ways Daniel Farke could use him.

As a straight replacement for Brenden Aaronson in a 3-4-2-1, Brandt could take the American’s hybrid task, defending to the right then drifting inside in possession, with Jayden Bogle pushing on and Joe Rodon sliding to right-back. His work in tight central lanes and vision to unpick compact defences fit the role. He would need to match Aaronson’s off-ball energy and defensive understanding, and he would be cutting in onto his weaker foot, which he is capable of.

In a 3-5-2, Farke switched to it regularly last season, Noah Okafor or Lukas Nmecha could partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin, opening space between the lines. Brandt could roam there, linking in the half-spaces with wing-backs Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson to supply two strikers and advancing midfielders.

While the expectation is Farke will continue to start with a back three, switching in-game to a 4-2-3-1 when chasing a lead would free Brandt as a No 10. He could combine with wingers such as Okafor and Willy Gnonto or stay central to play off Calvert-Lewin and threaten goal. This shape might require a top-level right winger, with Farke not favouring Gnonto or Daniel James, and it carries a risk-reward trade with fewer defensive numbers.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk