Leeds have spent much of the summer attempting to convince Julian Brandt that Elland Road should be the setting for the final major chapter of his career.
Brandt is available without a transfer fee after ending a seven-year association with Borussia Dortmund, where he became one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent creative midfielders.
Leeds would normally struggle to attract a player with his European experience and pedigree, but their Premier League status, German connections and promise of a central role have placed them in a strong position.
Brandt’s camp have also held talks with Leeds at Thorp Arch, and he would arrive with a level of experience that is difficult to find on the free-agent market.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Graeme Bailey is TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent and has reported several stages of Leeds’ pursuit of Brandt, with the reporter’s update suggesting that his potential move to Elland Road is far from a forgone conclusion. |
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Finances |
Brandt carries no transfer fee after his Dortmund contract expired, but the deal would not be cheap. His wages, signing payment and representatives’ fees could form a sizeable package. Roma and Ajax also reportedly stepped back after considering the required terms. |
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Insight |
Brandt is an intelligent, versatile creator rather than a traditional winger. He can play centrally, drift in from wide areas or operate deeper. |
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Impact |
Brandt could transform Leeds’ work between midfield and attack. His first touch, vision and ability to find runners would add control going forward, while his experience could settle a developing side. Alongside Wilson, Stach and Aaronson, he would give Farke far more quality in possession. |
Dortmund’s official farewell confirmed that he had made 306 appearances and scored 57 goals before his final home game for the club.
His last appearance took that total to 307, while he also supplied 70 assists during his time in black and yellow.
Brandt also managed an impressive 43 goals and 50 assists across 216 league appearances for Dortmund, reaching double figures for combined goals and assists in six of his seven seasons at the club.
His arrival would also reduce the creative responsibility placed on Brenden Aaronson and new signing Harry Wilson.
Wilson joined Leeds after 10 goals and seven assists during his final campaign with Fulham, giving Farke another proven source of attacking output, but Brandt would add a different type of threat.
They have already strengthened Farke’s squad by signing Wilson and defender Tarik Muharemovic, while James Trafford is also heading through the door after Leeds agreed a deal with Man City.
Adding Brandt would give their window another true statement signing, but they now face a real threat from La Liga.
Real Sociedad threatening to hijack Leeds move for Julian Brandt
Real Sociedad have entered the race and can offer Brandt something Leeds cannot provide this season with European football.
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Sociedad have accelerated their pursuit and are increasingly confident they can persuade the 30-year-old to move to San Sebastián after making a “compelling” case.
Leeds had led the chase for much of the summer and remain optimistic, but Brandt is reportedly expected to decide between the two clubs in the coming days.
Losing him would be a significant disappointment for Daniel Farke.
Brandt remained productive during his final season at Dortmund, scoring seven goals and supplying three assists before leaving.
Club officials openly acknowledged that replacing his creativity and attacking contribution would be a major part of their summer work.
He had already surpassed his entire goal total from the previous campaign by February, with four of his first six league strikes opening the scoring in matches.
No Bundesliga player had scored the first goal more frequently at that stage of the season.
Brandt can play as a number ten, operate from either side or drop into a deeper midfield role, but he is at his best when moving into pockets between midfield and defence, receiving on the turn and releasing runners before opponents can recover their shape.
He would give Leeds greater control around the penalty area, but also provide the final pass required to turn promising attacks into clear chances.
With Sociedad moving in, Farke’s side must continue pressing their appeal to Brandt, or risk missing out on a golden opportunity.