Exclusive:Leeds United urged to follow 'outstanding' Sunderland transfer plan amid Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe joke
A Leeds United legend has given his thoughts on this summer's transfer window.
Leeds United legend Gary McAllister believes a big-name, marquee signing is due at Elland Road this summer.
Recruitment staff are already working on potential deals with the YEP first reporting on interest in Julian Brandt on Friday. The 30-year-old is available for free having spent the last seven years at Borussia Dortmund, registering 57 goals and 70 assists in 307 appearances and featuring regularly in the Champions League.
Leeds are also thought to have reignited interest in Harry Wilson, also set to become a free agent, with the summer priority being to improve Daniel Farke’s attacking options. Brandt in particular would fit the bill for McAllister, who wants his former club to replicate Sunderland in landing an elite-level player.
“They bought a handful last summer throughout the team, but I just think they need just some sort of marquee signing,” McAllister told the YEP via BetSelect. “Somebody who's a little bit special, who can score a goal and make a goal. Whether that's from the middle of the park or in the number 10 position, I think that's what they need.
“They need somebody who's just a little bit different. And I'm sure that's what they're looking for. Marquee signings, that's what Leeds need now. They've got a good squad. They just need a wee bit of something special. Bring in a big-name player, somebody who's been there before and done it.
“Sunderland have shown that it works with [Granit] Xhaka. He seems to be the guy who knitted everybody together. He was an outstanding signing for Sunderland, and I think Leeds can learn from it. They should bring somebody of his stature who has done it at the highest level.”
Leeds United given World Cup name for transfer watchlist
Interestingly, neither Brandt nor Wilson are at this summer’s World Cup. The former was not picked to join his Germany teammates while the latter’s Wales failed to qualify, as Leeds well know given their contingent.
Leeds are expected to do the bulk of their business after the World Cup and there will no doubt be members of the recruitment team pouring over matches to assess potential targets. Gone are the days where a previously-unknown player would burst onto the scene but those on the club’s radar can be looked into a little deeper.
Asked whether he’s seen anyone at the World Cup Leeds could look at, he joked: “[Erling] Haaland and [Kylian] Mbappe [laughs]. One of my old clubs, Motherwell, where I started, has Elijah Just, a very exciting New Zealand midfielder who scored two goals in their first match [vs Iran].
“That might be where Leeds are looking to recruit. I don't think they can go in and buy some of the big names, but they should cleverly sign someone capable of scoring goals. I'm sure they'll have people there watching and looking out for a future star.”