Leeds United have already seen four players depart this summer, with more exits expected as the 49ers continue to reshape the squad that finished 14th in the Premier League last season.
Daniel Farke made it clear he wanted the club’s owners to match his ambitions if they hoped to keep him at Elland Road for the long term.
So far, Leeds have responded well by bringing in Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, two signings who are expected to strengthen the starting XI immediately.
At the same time, the club have been busy trimming the squad. Pascal Struijk was the first major departure after completing a move to Brighton, before Isaac Schmidt followed him out the door by joining Young Boys.
Karl Darlow then left after rejecting a new contract, bringing his time at Leeds to an end as a free agent.
Max Wober has also officially departed, with the Austrian defender agreeing to terminate his contract before sealing a move to Schalke.
Read More: Leeds United line up triple swoop after Adam Pope transfer update
Decision imminent from Leeds United target
Leeds have pressed the accelerator in their pursuit of multiple targets as they push to improve the squad significantly before the start of the new season.
The club are in advanced negotiations to sign James Trafford, who has given his approval to the move and has agreed personal terms on a contract.
However, more good news could be on the way in the coming days as Leeds are expecting an answer from one of their top targets this summer.
According to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, Leeds are hopeful of getting a decision from Julian Brandt soon.
The Whites have been aggressively chasing the 30-year-old German attacking midfielder, who is available on a free transfer this summer.
Brandt and his father were at Leeds’ training ground last week for talks, and a decision on his future is now imminent.
The German has been training at his former club Bayer Leverkusen’s facilities ahead of finalising his next destination.
Leeds believe Julian Brandt could say yes to them
The 49ers have already taken encouraging steps in their pursuit of the former Borussia Dortmund playmaker.
Persuading Brandt’s father, who also represents him as his agent, to visit the club is a significant development and suggests Leeds have a genuine opportunity to pull off the deal. Over the past year, the Whites have shown they can sell their long-term project to players who might previously have overlooked Elland Road.
The signings of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Wilson and Anton Stach are proof of that, with all three opting for Leeds despite attracting interest from clubs with bigger profiles.
Leeds are set to pull off a coup with the signature of James Trafford, who is keen on a move to Elland Road.
There is still a long way to go, and any deal is likely to require a strong financial offer. But based on how talks have progressed so far, signing Julian Brandt on a free transfer no longer seems out of reach.
