Leeds United are entering a pivotal summer. After successfully navigating their first season back in the Premier League, attention has shifted from survival to progression. Daniel Farke’s side have shown they can compete at this level, but if Leeds are serious about pushing towards the top half of the table and eventually challenging for European football, they need more quality in the final third.
One player who could become available is Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt. The German international is set to leave Dortmund following the expiration of his contract in June 2026, ending a seven-year spell at the Bundesliga club. At 30 years old, Brandt remains one of Germany’s most technically gifted attacking midfielders and would bring a level of experience rarely available to clubs outside the Premier League’s traditional elite. (Bundesliga)
The question is whether Leeds should make a move.
Why Leeds Should Sign Brandt
The biggest argument in favour of signing Brandt is straightforward: he would immediately improve Leeds’ creativity.
Despite entering the latter stages of his career, Brandt remains a productive player. During the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he registered seven goals and four assists in 29 league appearances for Dortmund while continuing to play an important role in one of Germany’s biggest clubs. (Bundesliga)
Leeds have worked hard to establish themselves as a Premier League side, but there remains a noticeable gap between them and clubs competing for European places. Brandt’s vision, passing range and ability to operate between the lines could help bridge that gap. He is capable of creating chances that many Leeds midfielders simply cannot.
His experience is equally valuable. Brandt has spent more than a decade playing at the highest level, representing both Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. He has accumulated hundreds of Bundesliga appearances, played regularly in the Champions League and represented Germany internationally. Players with that level of pedigree are rarely available without a significant transfer fee. (Transfermarkt)
The financial aspect also makes the move attractive. Because Brandt’s Dortmund contract expires this summer, Leeds could potentially acquire him without paying a transfer fee. In an era where Premier League clubs routinely spend £25-40 million on attacking midfielders, securing a player of Brandt’s calibre on a free transfer would represent outstanding value. (Bundesliga)
Why Leeds Should Avoid the Deal
There are, however, genuine concerns.
Firstly, Brandt turns 30 this year. While that is not old for an attacking midfielder, Leeds must decide whether investing heavily in wages for a player with limited resale value aligns with their long-term strategy.
His salary could also be problematic. Reports estimate that Brandt earns around €7 million per year at Dortmund, a figure that would place him among Leeds’ highest-paid players. Matching anything close to those wages could disrupt the club’s salary structure. (Capology.com)
Another concern is adaptation. Brandt has spent his entire professional career in Germany. The Premier League is faster, more physical and more demanding defensively than the Bundesliga. Some technically gifted players thrive after making the move; others struggle to adjust.
Leeds must also consider squad priorities. Depending on their summer business, reinforcements at centre-back, striker or defensive midfield may be more urgent than adding another attacking midfielder. Even a free transfer is not truly free when wages and signing bonuses are taken into account.
Finally, inconsistency has occasionally followed Brandt throughout his career. At his best, he is a match-winner. At his worst, he can drift through games and struggle to impose himself. Leeds would need confidence that they are signing a player still capable of delivering at a high level every week.
Verdict
If Julian Brandt is available on a free transfer, Leeds United should seriously pursue the deal.
The risks are obvious. He is 30, would command significant wages and has never played in English football. However, opportunities to sign a player with Brandt’s experience, technical quality and proven production do not come around often.
Leeds are no longer a club simply trying to survive. Their next objective should be to establish themselves in the Premier League’s top half and close the gap on clubs such as Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth. To do that, they need players who can decide matches.
Brandt still possesses that ability.
Provided the financial package remains sensible and does not compromise recruitment elsewhere, signing Julian Brandt would be a calculated gamble worth taking. On a free transfer, the upside outweighs the risk, and he could become one of the smartest pieces of business Leeds make this summer.
