Leeds United are reportedly keeping close tabs on 25-year-old German left-back Kai Wagner at Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union.
According to Manuel Veth, Premier League club Leeds United are interested in signing 25-year-old German left-back Kai Wagner from Philadelphia Union in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds United struggled in the 2021/22 campaign, barely staving off relegation on the final day of the season. Jesse Marsch has since gone about rebuilding his squad in the summer transfer window, enforcing an overhaul of sorts.
Given that the majority of the roster was the remnants of the Marcelo Bielsa era, it makes sense for Marsch to build a side in his image. The loss of stalwarts Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha has acted as another catalyst for a new look Leeds United side seeking to improve upon last season’s finish.
Kai Wagner has been a reliable performer for Philadelphia Union over the last three years, making 116 appearances for the American team. During that time, he has scored four goals and provided 17 assists. The German defender primarily starts as a left-back but can also play the role of a wing-back if required.
Source! Leeds United remain interested in Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner. But the Premier League club are not the only one interested. Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb have also shown interested in the #DOOP star. This is a decisive summer for the 25-year-old German! ⏲️?? #LUFC pic.twitter.com/0JC64HEJJQ
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) August 10, 2022
That is one spot that Marsch has needed to improve given Junior Firpo’s struggles. The former Barcelona defender lacks consistency and is the lone specialist left-back at Elland Road. Youngster Leo Fuhr Hjelde makes up the numbers but is not ready to be thrown in at the far end at Leeds United.
Adding Wagner to the roster will give Leeds enough depth in the position and also help keep Firpo on his toes. Increased competition can only help get the best out of players who lacked the clinical edge last season.
Leeds have already brought in a new right-back in Rasmus Kristensen, and the Dane could form an exciting duo with Wagner on the other flank. The latter can also form a lethal partnership with new winger Luis Sinisterra, who will be keen to make an instant impact at Elland Road.
Wagner is not just solid in defence but also gets forward well and makes proper use of his accurate crossing ability. Add to it his reading of the game and ability on the dead ball, and Marsch could be landing himself a dynamic player. The American should be well acquainted with the MLS, and this first-hand knowledge could prove decisive for Leeds in their pursuit.
The Yorkshire giants will face competition from SL Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb. The Premier League is demanding, but Wagner has it in his locker to thrive in it, given the right guidance. The 25-year-old German left-back will not just be handed a massive stage to display his talent but also be part of something special that might be brewing at Elland Road.
