The summer transfer window isn’t even a full week old, and Leeds United is already putting pieces in motion. While most of the heavy lifting is expected to happen after the World Cup, the club has a short list of targets — and Julian Brandt is on it.
Brandt, the German international, is available as a free agent. That alone is enough to get a few clubs sniffing around. Leeds has expressed interest, but they’re far from the only ones. And at this stage, it’s still very much a feeler rather than a done deal. The club hasn’t confirmed anything, and they’re not likely to rush into a signing before they sort out the outgoing side of the ledger.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has already warned that players will be sold this summer. Who exactly remains a mystery, but the early signals are clear: Leeds needs to balance the books, and that means some familiar faces won’t be around next season.
Meslier’s exit is essentially done
Illan Meslier is leaving after seven years. That was reported back in May, and it’s now just a matter of when and where. The goalkeeper’s departure opens up a spot between the posts, and Leeds will need to fill it. Freiburg, meanwhile, made an inquiry about Willy Gnonto earlier this spring, according to The Athletic. That one hasn’t gone anywhere yet, but it’s worth watching.
Darlow’s situation is murky
Karl Darlow is currently set to walk as a free agent. Talks are ongoing about a new deal, but nothing is signed yet. Interest is building — Manchester United has been mentioned as a potential suitor. Whether Darlow stays or goes could depend on how quickly Leeds can lock down a replacement or convince him the project is worth sticking around for.
Defensively, there’s a name floating around: Sebastiaan Bornauw. The Belgian center-back has been linked with FC Koln, who want experience at the back. But it’s unclear if Bornauw actually wants to leave Leeds, or if the club would even sign off on it. Pascal Struijk is entering the final year of his contract, so the clock is ticking. Either Leeds extends him or they sell him this summer. Manager Daniel Farke would prefer to keep Struijk, but interest in the defender is expected regardless of Farke’s preference.
Out wide, Largie Ramazani turned some heads during his loan spell at Valencia. But updates on his future have been all over the place. One report says he’s staying, another says he’s gone. Right now, nothing concrete has materialized.
Leeds has a lot of irons in the fire. The next few weeks should clarify which ones actually catch.
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