Leeds United are doing more than just window shopping right now. A week into the summer transfer window, the club is juggling contract talks with goalkeeper Karl Darlow while also keeping an eye on a free agent who could add some serious creativity to the midfield.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Julian Brandt’s name has surfaced as a potential target. The German international is available on a free transfer after his contract at Borussia Dortmund expired. That kind of move would be a statement for a Leeds side trying to bounce back from a tough season. Brandt has Champions League experience and the kind of technical ability that Daniel Farke’s system tends to thrive on. But nothing is close yet. The club has not confirmed any concrete talks.
Darlow’s situation is the more immediate headache
The veteran goalkeeper is currently set to leave as a free agent. Leeds want to keep him around, and negotiations are ongoing. But with interest reportedly coming from Manchester United and possibly others, the longer this drags, the more likely Darlow walks. Farke would prefer to keep some stability in the goalkeeping room after Illan Meslier officially left the club earlier this month following the expiration of his contract. Meslier’s departure ends a seven-year run in West Yorkshire, and it leaves a question mark in net that Darlow could fill if he signs.
Struijk, Gnonto, and the rest of the fringe
Pascal Struijk is entering the final year of his contract, which puts Leeds in a familiar spot: extend him or sell him this summer. Farke wants to keep him, but interest from other clubs will almost certainly arrive. If no extension gets done, the club may be forced to move him rather than lose him for nothing next year.
Willy Gnonto has drawn a transfer inquiry from Bundesliga side Freiburg, according to a May report from The Athletic. The winger has not played nearly as much as he’d like, and a decision on his future is still pending. He’s talented enough to start somewhere, and Freiburg could offer regular minutes in a competitive league.
Largie Ramazani showed flashes during his loan spell at Valencia, but his future at Leeds is murky. Reports have been conflicting, and as of now, nothing concrete has emerged on that front.
Defender Sebastiaan Bornauw has been linked with a return to FC Koln, who are looking for experienced options at the back. Whether the Belgian wants to go or Leeds would actually sanction the move is unclear.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has already warned that there will be sales this window. With the World Cup now in the rearview, the real business is just getting started.
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