Leeds United are expected to finalise Harry Wilson’s arrival on a free transfer this week. However, they remain keen to add Julian Brandt to Daniel Farke’s attacking options.
The German attacking midfielder is available on a free transfer after his contract with Borussia Dortmund expired at the end of June, and Leeds are one of his firm suitors.
Daniel Farke is a big fan of the 30-year-old attacking midfielder and would love to take him to Elland Road amid severe competition from several clubs across Europe.
Leeds have been working hard to convince the player’s representatives that a move to Yorkshire is the right step. However, they have now run into a major obstacle that could yet derail the deal.
Julian Brandt has a key demand ahead of choosing his next club
Leeds have been hopeful that the prospect of playing in the Premier League would be enough to convince the attacking midfielder to move to Elland Road.
Brandt, who Jurgen Klopp wanted at Liverpool close to a decade back, has never played in the English top flight, and that forms a part of Leeds’ pitch to his camp.
However, according to the German daily the Ruhr Nachrichten (via Sport.de), the German desperately wants to continue playing European football next season.
Brandt has spent a large part of his career playing in the Champions League or the Europa League and wants to continue to do so even in his post-Dortmund career.
Leeds are in no position to offer him European football next season, given their 14th-place finish in the Premier League.
Leeds are also unable to offer any guarantees of European football in the near future, with the club’s immediate focus firmly on establishing themselves as a Premier League side over the coming seasons.
Leeds still hope that the allure of Premier League football would still be enough for Brandt to move to Elland Road this summer.
Champions League football is the key stumbling block
Leeds United have not walked away from their pursuit of Julian Brandt and remain in regular contact with the midfielder’s representatives as they continue to sell him on a move to Elland Road.
The Whites are under no illusions about the size of the task ahead. Brandt is attracting interest from several clubs in the Champions League, allowing him to remain at the highest level of European football.
After spending the majority of his career playing in the Champions League, that is naturally an attractive option. Even so, Leeds believe the chance to take on a new challenge in the Premier League could work in their favour.
Leeds remain firmly in the running for the Germany international, but they also know they are up against some serious competition and that securing his signature will be far from straightforward.
