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DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 19: Dejan Ljubicic of Koeln runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Köln at Signal Iduna Park on August 19, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Cologne ‘head of football’ Thomas Kessler breaks silence on Leeds… Read More.
Leeds United have expressed a strong interest in signing Dejan Ljubicic, the versatile midfielder from FC Cologne, as manager Daniel Farke seeks to strengthen his squad for the upcoming season.
Ljubicic, a 26-year-old Austria international, has caught the eye of Leeds for his ability to play in multiple positions, including defensive midfield, central midfield, and even in more advanced roles due to his creative prowess.
Despite Cologne’s recent relegation to the 2. Bundesliga after finishing 17th in the 2023-24 season, the club is determined to hold onto one of their key players.
Cologne’s head of football, Thomas Kessler, recently addressed the speculation surrounding Ljubicic’s future and Leeds United’s interest in the player.
Speaking to the German outlet KSTA.de, Kessler expressed confidence that Ljubicic would remain with the club.
“I’m not afraid that Dejo will leave the club,” Kessler stated. “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.”
Kessler’s comments reflect Cologne’s commitment to retaining Ljubicic, who played a crucial role for the team in the Bundesliga last season.
Ljubicic made 26 appearances, contributing two assists, but it is his versatility and creativity that have particularly attracted the attention of Leeds United.
With the ability to fill various roles in the midfield, Ljubicic could be a valuable addition to Farke’s squad, especially given the departures of key players from Leeds in recent months.
Leeds have seen their midfield options dwindle following the losses of Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, along with the release of Jamie Shackleton at the end of his contract.
While the club has secured the loan signing of Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth, Farke is keen to further bolster his midfield options as he eyes a return to the Premier League.
However, Leeds face a significant challenge in convincing Cologne to part with Ljubicic.
The German club has already rejected an initial bid of £3.4 million from Leeds, signaling that they will not let one of their star players go without a fight.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds will return with an improved offer to tempt Cologne into a deal.
As Leeds United prepares for the 2024-25 season, the potential signing of Ljubicic could prove pivotal in their promotion campaign.
However, with Cologne standing firm, the Whites may need to offer a substantial deal to secure the services of the talented Austrian midfielder.
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