FC Köln’s head of first-team football commented on transfer rumors surrounding Dejan Ljubičić. Thomas Kessler is confident that the midfielder will stay despite Leeds United’s interest.
The Whites have been searching for a midfielder for a long time following high-profile departures. In defense, they’ve bought Tottenham defender Joe Rodon to secure the backline.
Rodon was on loan at Leeds last season and he impressed which led to the club signing him permanently. Another defender, Jayden Bogle, has come in from Sheffield United, which gives The Whites more options down the wings.
Many players left The West Yorkshire outfit this summer after a failed promotion campaign. Financial troubles also played a role where the club was forced to sell its players or temporarily let them out on loan.
Some notable departures in midfield were Archie Gray and Glen Kamara. Both had been phenomenal last season contributing to Leeds’ shot to the Premier League.
Unfortunately, the club lost to Southampton 0-1 in the promotion play-off finals. Archie Gray left for Tottenham in a reported deal worth £35 million which improved the club’s finances a bit.
Glen Kamara left for Rennes but was one of the indispensable assets for The Whites. Both midfielders are going to be tough to replace and The West Yorkshire club must find alternatives soon before the closure of the transfer window.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
FC Köln Head of first-team football Thomas Kessler reacts to Dejan Ljubičić Leeds United links
Credits: Imago Images
While talking to KSTA.de, Thomas seemed pretty confident in the midfielder. He claimed that Dejan will stay despite interest from Leeds United.
“I’m not afraid that Dejo will leave the club. We have even built an Austrian coaching team for him so that he will lack nothing here, so I firmly believe that he will remain our player.”
-Thomas Kessler via KSTA.de
United have already had a £3.3 million offer rejected by Köln. The Whites are also preparing for a better offer which might persuade the club to sell the Austrian.
Dejan only has 12 months left on his contract and if the player isn’t extending Köln might think about selling him this summer. The German outfit wouldn’t want to lose him for free next summer.
Whatever the case, The West Yorkshire outfit needs to consider their moves quickly. The 49ers wouldn’t want to lose the Austrian like they lost Gabriel Sara.
Although no other clubs are competing for the midfielder, Dejan might change his mind or sign an extension. If this happens it is going to be a problematic scenario for Leeds.
