After suffering play-off final heartbreak against Southampton back in May 2024, many feared for Leeds United and questioned if they could bounce back from such a devastating defeat.

Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray all departed for fees totalling over £100m, subsequently seeing three of Daniel Farke’s key players move to Premier League outfits.

However, shrewd recruitment and bold tactical tweaks from the German in recent times have seen the Whites lose just 17 league games out of a possible 84 in the last two seasons.

Such a tally is even more impressive considering last campaign was the club’s first back in England’s top division after a two-year spell in the Championship.

With survival achieved, the supporters can relax and enjoy the summer break, but the same can’t be said for Farke and the board, as transfer plans continue to be laid out.

Leeds enter talks to sign European superstar this summer

The 2026/27 campaign presents Leeds with the perfect opportunity to once again establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

Proven players in such a division have appeared on their transfer radar in recent weeks, with departing Fulham star Harry Wilson just one player who falls into such a category.

Fulham's Harry Wilson in action with Tottenham Hotspur's Radu Dragusin

The Welshman appears set to join Farke’s side this window, after reaching a full agreement with the 29-year-old attacker over a long-term contract at Elland Road.

However, numerous wildcard options have also emerged over recent days for the 49ers regime – none more eye-catching than Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Julian Brandt.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have already held talks with the German’s representatives over the possibility of a switch to Elland Road during this window.

The report states that he’s another player who’s set to be available on a free transfer in a week’s time and the 49ers are trying to convince the player to make the move to Yorkshire.

The 30-year-old is set to be a player in huge demand this summer though, as Roma are just one European club to also present a proposal to the experienced attacker.

Why Brandt would be a better signing than Wilson for Leeds

Leeds’ agreement to secure Wilson’s signature on Wednesday afternoon may have taken many people by surprise – especially considering Aston Villa’s interest in his signature.

Fulham's Harry Wilson

However, the Whites have laid a marker just a week into the transfer market and have demonstrated their ambitions of reaching the next level throughout 2026/27.

Farke’s side are signing a player who set the Premier League alight last term – subsequently finding the back of the net on 10 occasions whilst also laying on seven assists.

The 29-year-old’s campaign in England’s top-flight during 2025/26 was the best in his professional career to date – with the Leeds faithful hoping he can reach the next level during his time in Yorkshire.

Despite his mesmerising form last season, his lack of success in years prior could see Leeds taking a huge risk in splashing heavy wages to secure the attacker’s signature.

Similar funds could be handed Brandt’s way during the ongoing window, but such a move would undoubtedly be a bigger coup for the 49ers and Farke this summer.

julian-brandt-borussia-dortmund

The German attacker has spent the last seven years on the books of Dortmund and has constantly produced the goods – subsequently registering less than double figures for goal contributions just once.

During his final year at the Bundesliga club, he often had to resort to minutes off the bench, but the 30-year-old still managed to catch the eye – ending the campaign with 16 goals and assists in all competitions.

Most G+As for Dortmund in the Bundesliga (2025/26)

Player

Tally

Serhou Guirassy

18

Maximillian Beier

15

Julian Ryerson

15

Julian Brandt

11

Karim Adeyemi

11

Fabio Silva

8

Ramy Bensebaini

7

Nico Schlotterbeck

6

He’s also racked up 61 appearances in the Champions League during his seven years at Signal Iduna Park, which could make him the perfect player for Farke in his hunt for success.

Wilson simply can’t compare to Brandt’s tally of European appearances, with the Welshman still yet to feature in a single continental competition at club level.

Brandt, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by teammate Nico Schlotterbeck, has the proven top-division quality and experience which will be vital for the Whites in their ambitions of mounting a top-eight finish.

Both players could no doubt form a deadly partnership together at Elland Road next season – which no doubt would see the club improve on their 14th-place finish in 2025/26.

brandt-spurs-dortmund

His consistent success in front of goal could also benefit Wilson, who could improve his own goalscoring tally and end any fears about him becoming a one-season wonder.

The German’s talent and success throughout his career have been there for all to see, but it’s crucial that the 49ers work tirelessly to allow such a deal to slip through their fingers.


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