Julian Brandt: Where Leeds place in transfer race as 'leading contenders' named

Leeds United will find it "very difficult" to win the race to sign midfielder Julian Brandt this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Whites have identified the 30-year-old as an ambitious target, and see it as a "huge coup" if they could pull off a deal.

The veteran is available on a free transfer after leaving Borussia Dortmund, and has a whole host of interest from the Premier League and across Europe.

Atletico Madrid and Roma are currently the "leading contenders" for the former Bayer Leverkusen man, and are both capable of putting a "big deal" on the table for him.

The duo can also offer Champions League football, which could be a huge factor, with Brandt keen to continue playing at the highest possible level.

Leeds are in the mix to land the attacking midfielder this summer, but it will be very tough for them to get a deal over the line.

Julian Brandt chase a sign of Leeds' intent

Leeds are keen to avoid standing still after consolidating their spot in the Premier League last term, and are hoping to continue pushing forward.

The West Yorkshire outfit have long-term ambitions to challenge the elite of English football once again, and interest in players like Brandt is a sign of that ambition.

He ended the 2025-26 campaign with seven goals and four assists to his name in the Bundesliga, where he has become one of the most consistent players in recent years.

Brandt has notched at least 19 goal involvements in four of the last five seasons, and is also vastly experienced at Champions League level.

Daniel Farke had been hoping to use his German connections to tempt his countryman into a move to Elland Road this summer.

It now looks unlikely that Leeds will truly be able to win the race for Brandt, but they are now ready to put themselves in these conversations again.

Pascal Struijk on the verge of Leeds exit

Football Insider revealed on Monday that Leeds are open to selling Pascal Struijk this summer if they can get replacements through the door.

The Dutchman is out of contract next summer, and has been linked with moves to several other Premier League clubs in recent months.

The 26-year-old is yet to pen a new deal at Elland Road, despite the club's desire to keep him, and that has prompted them to consider other options.

If no breakthrough can be made in the coming weeks, then Leeds are prepared to offload Struijk, provided they can get a replacement secured.