Leeds United have identified PSV Eindhoven defender Philipp Max as a transfer target and are reportedly readying an offer to sign him in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are on the lookout for a new left-back, and PSV Eindhoven assists machine Philipp Max is high on their shortlist. The Whites plan to lodge an offer for the 29-year-old experienced defender when the transfer window reopens in the new year.
Amongst the most promising left-backs in Germany during his days in the Bundesliga, the former Augsburg man has been one of Europe’s most underrated attacking full-backs for a long time now, and it came as a surprise when he moved to join PSV in the Dutch Eredivisie in the summer of 2020, despite rumoured interest from Manchester United and Liverpool at the time.
Needless to say, Max continued to provide sterling service from wide areas in the Eredivisie, with the variety and quality of his deliveries generating a plethora of goal-scoring chances, whether through open play or set-pieces. In total, he has directly contributed to 28 goals from 114 appearances for PSV in all competitions (8 goals, 20 assists).
Cody Gakpo was not the only player Leeds were trying to bring to Elland Road from PSV last summer. His 29-year-old left-sided partner Philipp Max was also linked, however, the Peacocks opted against investing an eight-figure sum in a 28-year-old full-back, given their preference for younger players boasting substantial resale value.
Leeds’ decision to start the 2022/23 season with Junior Firpo as their only senior left-back seemed naive, to say the least. After all, the former Barcelona benchwarmer has struggled with fitness and form during his first season at Elland Road.
And as it turned out, the left-back position has become a bit of an issue for Jesse Marsch and co. this season. Firpo has missed the bulk of the season due to injury, with centre-back Pascal Struijk filling in as a makeshift full-back. While the Dutchman has not been a calamity at the back, he offers more in the central defensive role.
Thus, the Whites desperately need to reinforce at left-back and the position should be at the top of the priority list in the forthcoming transfer window, with Philipp Max now reported to be back on their radar.
Max is under contract at PSV until 2024, and PSV may look to offload one of their higher earners sooner rather than later amid some financial issues, which have been compounded by their failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage earlier this season.
This means the Whites can secure their summer transfer target for a nominal fee in January. Despite being one of the highest-paid players in the Eredivisie, his £30,000-per-week wages would not be an issue for Leeds to offer, as per Football Insider.
As such, it is easy to see why Leeds are taking a keen interest in the experienced German international, who despite his position has proven something of a constant threat on the left flank for whichever club he has played for, registering 43 goal contributions over 156 appearances for FC Augsburg.
Not only is his attacking prowess exceptional, but he is also very efficient at performing standing and sliding tackles on the pitch.
