Graham Smyth drops 'wait and watch' Leeds United Julian Brandt transfer verdict amid talks
Leeds United remain in talks for the free agent but expect competition.
Leeds United transfer target Julian Brandt is still weighing up his options with YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth labelling the pursuit a ‘wait and watch’.
The YEP first reported on interest in Brandt last month, with the attacking midfielder now officially a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund. Leeds are believed to be in discussions with representatives of the 30-year-old but know there will be competition, including from teams playing European football.
One of those potential rivals was Real Betis, with Brandt’s father spotted at the Spanish side’s training facility amid reports of interest. They can offer Champions League football but appear to have decided against pursuing a move but according to Smyth, it’s clear the German international is still weighing up his options.
“Brandt's father and another person, presumably an agent, were filmed at Real Betis’ facility this week,” he told the Inside Elland Road podcast. “The word from local journalists there was that Brandt was offered to Betis, who of course qualified for the Champions League for next season.
“That stacks up with what we're hearing about the fact that he has got Champions League offers. But the word from them is that they've decided he's not the right fit for what they're looking for at the minute, and they're quite well-stocked in his position. So as it stands, they're not pressing ahead with that.
“But it obviously shows that Brandt is shopping around for options and maybe still exploring Champions League options. That's one to just wait and watch, I think, to see if Leeds can get anywhere with that one.”
While competition will be fierce, Leeds will be hopeful their offer of Premier League football convinces Brandt of a move to West Yorkshire. The experienced creator has spent much of his career playing European and international football but is yet to test himself in England.
Julian Brandt Premier League question
And it would be a test, particularly given the increase in focus on physicality not only at Leeds, but across the division. That is one potential question mark that would sit over Brandt’s head, should he join the Whites.
“I think my only concern would be the physicality of the Premier League and his ability to play 90 minutes routinely in that league,” Smyth added. “I think that would definitely be a question mark. I'm not saying that the Bundesliga is not physical, I'm just saying the Premier League is now so much about physical demand.
“When you've built a team like Leeds did last season, who can run over teams physically and make the game so intense - that was one of the major keys to Leeds staying up and succeeding last season - you don't want to stray too far from it with signings if they can't bring that level of intensity.
“So that would just be a little question mark there. But in terms of on the ball, flair, creativity, all of that would be a fantastic option to have.”