Leeds United Deal Blow in Pursuit of Koln Midfielder Dejan Ljubicic
Leeds United’s hopes of securing Koln midfielder Dejan Ljubicic have suffered a setback following comments from Koln’s head of first-team football, Thomas Kessler. The German club’s assurances suggest they are determined to retain the services of the 26-year-old, despite Leeds’ summer interest.
Ljubicic, who has emerged as a key target for Leeds this transfer window, was eyed to fill the void left by departing midfielders Glenn Kamara and Archie Gray. Leeds had reportedly seen an offer of around €4 million turned down earlier this summer, and recent statements from Koln indicate that their resolve to keep Ljubicic remains strong.
Koln’s Stance on Ljubicic
Koln’s recent relegation from the Bundesliga to the German second-tier has added pressure on the club to retain their top players. Despite this, Kessler’s recent comments reveal a robust confidence that Ljubicic will remain with the team.
Speaking to German outlet KSTA, Kessler addressed the speculation surrounding Ljubicic’s future, stating, “I’m not afraid that Dejan will leave the club. We have even built an Austrian coaching team for him so that he will lack nothing here, so I firmly believe that he will remain our player.”
Ljubicic’s contract with Koln has just 12 months remaining, which typically would create a sense of urgency for Koln to secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. However, Kessler’s remarks suggest that Koln is not currently inclined to sell, even with the looming contract expiry.
Leeds United’s Transfer Activity
Leeds United have been active in the transfer market this summer, making four notable additions to their squad. Defenders Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle, along with goalkeeper Alex Cairns, have joined the club permanently. Additionally, midfielder Joe Rothwell has arrived on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.
Despite these additions, the departures of Kamara and Gray have left Leeds in need of further reinforcements in the midfield. Ljubicic, with his Bundesliga experience and familiarity with German football, would have been a valuable addition to manager Daniel Farke’s squad. His presence would not only provide depth but also bolster Leeds’ midfield with his proven ability at the top level.
Impact on Leeds’ Transfer Plans
Kessler’s comments are a blow to Leeds’ transfer ambitions, particularly as the club had hoped to secure Ljubicic to strengthen their midfield options. The Austrian midfielder’s top-flight experience and understanding of German football would have complemented Leeds’ current squad and offered Farke a versatile and experienced option.
| Dejan Ljubicic 2023/24 Bundesliga stats for Koln – from SofaScore | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Shots per Game | 1.5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Success Rate | 82% |
| Tackles per Game | 1.7 |
| Balls Recovered per Game | 4.3 |
| Duel Success Rate | 44% |
With the transfer window still open, Leeds may need to pivot and explore alternative targets if Ljubicic remains out of reach. The club’s ability to adapt and identify other potential signings will be crucial as they aim to challenge for promotion this season. Leeds’ management will need to act swiftly to ensure they have the necessary depth and quality to compete effectively in the Championship.
Leeds’ Season Ahead
Leeds, who narrowly missed out on promotion after losing to Southampton in the play-off final, will kick off their 2024/25 Championship campaign with a home fixture against newly-promoted Portsmouth. The match will mark the beginning of a crucial season where Leeds will be looking to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
In summary, while the pursuit of Dejan Ljubicic appears to be facing significant obstacles, Leeds United’s focus will need to remain on exploring other transfer avenues. The club’s ambition to bounce back to the Premier League depends on their ability to strengthen their squad effectively, and finding alternative midfield options will be vital to their success in the coming season.
