Raphael Guerreiro has decided to leave Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer as Leeds United look to bring the Portugal international to the Premier League, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.
After six years in front of the Yellow Wall, Guerreiro obviously feels that the time is right for a new challenge. And, following spells in France and Germany, England could be the 28-year-old’s next destination.
Per TEAMtalk, Guerreiro is aware of interest from Elland Road, Leeds feeling that the versatile left-sider is the ‘ideal’ player to reinforce a flank hit hard by injuries to both Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas.
The Yorkshire outfit have sent scouts to watch Guerreiro in recent months. And, if a January deal is not possible, Leeds are happy to wait until the summer, by which point a player who joined Dortmund from Lorient in a £10 million deal back in 2016 will be a free-agent.
Leeds United want Borussia Dortmund and Portugal ace Raphael Guerreiro
Guerreiro, RN say, has turned down the chance to extend his contract. And Dortmund are wasting no time in their pursuit of a replacement. According to the agent of Borussia Monchengladbach schemer Ramy Bensebaini, that talks with the 2013 Champions League finalists are underway with the January window now just three weeks away.
“I can confirm that there are talks with BVB,” Jaspal Singh Gill tells Sport1. “But there are also talks with other international clubs.
“Ramy has not yet made a final decision. He’s a player who is interesting for many clubs and fits in everywhere.”
Guerreiro is not the most reliable defender in world football. But what he does offer is real creativity at the other end of the pitch. One of Europe’s most effective attacking full-backs, the 61-time Portugal international is an excellent set-piece taker. He even averages a goal or an assist almost every two-and-a-half games for Dortmund.
Guerreiro also played a leading role in arguably the finest team performance at the Qatar World Cup. He scored once and set up another during Portugal’s 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland last week.
“Guerrero is far too good to be pinned down to one position,” former Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel once said, highlighting the left-back’s ability to thrive further forward on the wing and even in central midfield.
Leeds are also keeping tabs on Philadelphia Union’s Kai Wagner. Valencia youngster Jesus Vazquez is another on Victor Orta’s radar.
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