The German publication reported, as per TEAMtalk (25 July), that Austrian midfielder Dejan Ljubicic, entering the final year of his contract with Bundesliga side Köln, is eager to leave despite the club’s intention to offer him a new deal.
Leeds United, who have already had a £3.4 million bid for the 26-year-old rejected [Nancy Froston, 25 July], might be hesitant to increase their offer due to Ljubicic’s contract situation.
Manager Daniel Farke is keen to bolster the midfield ahead of the new season following Marc Roca’s permanent move to Real Betis and Glen Kamara’s £6.8 million transfer to Rennes [Ouest-France, 14 July].
Leeds United are optimistic about their pursuit of Ljubicic. Farke aims to build a squad capable of exceeding their previous season’s achievement of 90 points, despite losing in the Championship play-off final.
Signing a relegated Bundesliga midfielder might seem questionable, but Ljubicic’s ambition to play at a higher level, rather than stay in the 2.Bundesliga, aligns with Leeds’ aspirations for a Premier League return.
The Bundesliga’s quality is also higher than that of the Scottish Premiership, where Kamara was signed from, positioning Ljubicic as a potential upgrade.
Joe Rothwell’s season-long loan from Bournemouth marks a start, but adding Ljubicic could further strengthen the United midfield, crucial for the new campaign.
With Joe Rodon’s £10 million permanent signing and the return of Austrian international Max Wober, new club captain Ethan Ampadu is expected to occupy one of the midfield spots.
If Farke continues with the 4-2-3-1 formation from last season, it leaves one midfield spot open next to Ampadu. Should Ljubicic complete his move to Elland Road, he could be the preferred choice to fill that role.
