How Leeds could sign an even bigger talent than Brandt

Leeds United have already landed one impressive free agent signing in the summer transfer window in the form of Wales international Harry Wilson.

The 29-year-old star joined on a free transfer after his contract with Premier League rivals Fulham expired at the start of the month, following his return of ten goals and seven assists in the top-flight in the 2025/26 campaign.

Wilson may not be the only free agent to land at Elland Road this summer, though, as they have also been linked with an interest in German playmaker Julian Brandt.

Leeds were in talks with the former Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder earlier this month, but they have yet to agree a deal with the experienced forward.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of Julian Brandt

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the 30-year-old star is attracting interest from teams across Europe, including Serie A giants Juventus and Roma.

The Italian reporter adds, though, that a move to the Premier League is more likely for the midfielder at this moment in time, with several teams in talks with the player and his representatives.

However, Di Marzio does not name the teams interested in signing the Germany international, so it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds remain in the race or who they are battling for his signature if they are.

Brandt was a terrific servant for Dortmund over the years, hitting double digits for goals in the 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2025/26 campaigns, which is why so many teams are keen on snapping him up.

The Leeds target racked up seven goals and four assists in the Bundesliga for Dortmund last season before his contract with the German side expired, showing that he could provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Whites.

It would not be a long-term signing for Daniel Farke‘s side, though, as he is now in his 30s and would not arrive at Elland Road with the potential to be sold for a significant profit in the future.

Leeds in talks to sign Yamal-esque forward

Whilst the race for Brandt is ongoing, the Whites could forget about a deal for the German star by sealing a deal for another one of their targets.

Friday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo reports that Leeds United have made an approach to open club-to-club talks with Barcelona for winger Roony Bardghji in the summer transfer window.

The outlet claims, though, that Fulham, Aston Villa, and Brighton & Hove Albion have also made contact with the Spanish giants to land the Sweden international.

It reveals that Barcelona want to make a decision on the player’s future by 27th July, and are open to selling him on a permanent basis or sending the winger out on loan.

Instead of signing Brandt on a free transfer, Leeds could sign Bardghji on a permanent deal from Barcelona as a better and more exciting addition to their squad this summer.

The Swedish youngster is ten years younger than the former Dortmund man and would provide far more long-term value to the Whites, both because he could be a star for a longer period of time and he could grow in value and be sold for a potential profit futher down the line.

Bardghji only started eight games in LaLiga and the Champions League combined in the 2025/26 campaign, and racked up one goal and two assists in those appearances.

The 20-year-old talent, who scored two goals and provided two assists in all competitions for the Spanish giants, playing as a left-footed right winger.

Deco even described him as being “similar to Lamine Yamal”, who is also a left-footed right winger for Barcelona, which is high praise, indeed, given that he is set to lead Spain into the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday.

Bardghji scored 15 goals in 84 appearances for Copenhagen at senior level before his move to Barcelona, which shows that he can score goals more regularly when given more opportunities to shine at the top end of the pitch.

The Leeds target ranked in the top 12% of LaLiga wingers for xA per 90 (0.26) and the top 27% for chances created per 90 (1.97), which suggests that he has the potential to be an outstanding creative threat if given regular minutes on the pitch.

He could, therefore, provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals, like Brandt, whilst having many years left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player, which is why he would be a far more exciting and valuable addition to the squad than the German.