Hasselbaink Urges Experience as Leeds Pursue Bundesliga Star Julian Brandt

Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United are making significant moves in the summer transfer window, with former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink emphasizing the critical need for experienced players as the club targets BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga star Julian BrandtPlayer·Julian Brandt. Following a 14th-place finish in the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season, Leeds aims to solidify its position and avoid a repeat of the early campaign struggles that saw them "flirting with that relegation zone," as noted by Hasselbaink.

Julian BrandtPlayer·Julian Brandt, a 30-year-old attacking midfielder, has emerged as a primary target for Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United. Brandt recently became a free agent after his contract with Borussia DortmundTeam·Borussia Dortmund expired, making him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking top-tier talent without a transfer fee. During his seven years at Borussia DortmundTeam·Borussia Dortmund, Brandt established himself as one of the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga's most creative players, making 307 appearances, scoring 57 goals, and providing 70 assists. In the 2025/26 season alone, he contributed to 15 goals in 41 games, including nine Champions League matches, as Borussia DortmundTeam·Borussia Dortmund secured a second-place finish in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga.

Hasselbaink highlighted Brandt's potential impact, stating, "It brings top-level experience. It brings real experience, and they can always use that... From that perspective, Brandt is a very, very good option." This sentiment aligns with Leeds' broader strategy for the summer, as chairman Paraag Marathe confirmed the club would focus on "fewer, higher-quality additions" this year.

Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United's interest in Brandt is not without competition, with Real BetisTeam·Real Betis also reportedly making an offer for the veteran playmaker. The transfer window officially opened on June 15, but Leeds anticipates conducting most of its business after the conclusion of the 2026 World CupCompetition·World Cup in mid-July.

Beyond Brandt, Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United are also close to securing Harry WilsonPlayer·Harry Wilson on a free transfer after his contract with FulhamTeam·Fulham expired. The club is also looking to strengthen its defense, with Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico ElvediPlayer·Nico Elvedi identified as a top target, particularly with the anticipated departure of Pascal StruijkPlayer·Pascal Struijk. In goal, the club is seeking a permanent solution, as Lucas PerriPlayer·Lucas Perri "didn't really work out" and Karl DarlowPlayer·Karl Darlow, despite performing "exceptionally well," is out of contract. Talks are underway regarding contract extensions for Darlow, Alex CairnsPlayer·Alex Cairns, and Sam ByramPlayer·Sam Byram, while Illan MeslierPlayer·Illan Meslier is expected to leave.

In positive news for the club, captain Ethan AmpaduPlayer·Ethan Ampadu signed a new four-year contract until 2030, following a stellar 2025/26 season where he was voted Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.