Blow for Leeds United: La Liga giants join Brandt race | OneFootball

Preparations for the new season have already begun at many clubs. Julian Brandt is not involved. Since leaving Borussia Dortmund, the 30-year-old midfielder still has not found a new club. There are apparently several offers on the table. Now a club from La Liga is positioning itself.

With 48 international caps, 82 Champions League appearances, and 383 Bundesliga matches to his name, Brandt brings a wealth of experience. Leeds United, coached by Daniel Farke (49), had long been considered the most promising candidate in the race for the former BVB professional.

But now a high-profile rival is sliding in. According to TEAMtalk, Real Sociedad of San Sebastián has entered the race. The Basque side also has a man on the touchline who knows the Bundesliga extremely well from personal experience. Pellegrino Matarazzo (48), formerly in charge of VfB Stuttgart and TSG Hoffenheim, sensationally led the blue-and-whites to cup glory last season.

Istanbul heavyweights also in the race

According to the report, Real Sociedad has now stepped up its efforts to sign Brandt. The two-time Spanish champions are even said to have already submitted a “convincing” offer for the former Dortmund man. San Sebastián reportedly believes it holds an advantage thanks to its sporting project and qualification for European competition. That is said to be the key factor in convincing Brandt to move to the Primera División rather than to England. For the 30-year-old, playing in international competition apparently really is a major reason to join the Basque club.

Photo: IMAGO

The race for the attacking player is widening: Turkish giants Besiktas and Galatasaray are also keeping an eye on Brandt’s situation, but at the moment they trail Leeds and Real Sociedad in the battle for his signature.

According to TEAMtalk, Roma and Ajax Amsterdam have dropped out of the race. Both clubs simply found the wage demands for the Germany international too high. That means the transfer battle is now mainly shaping up as a duel between England and Spain. According to insiders, the decision will likely come down to Leeds or San Sebastián.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.