According to Manuel Veth, Leeds want to bring Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, Jesse Marsch is said to be friends with Philadelphia Union’s manager Jim Curtin, who has already admitted that the left-back could leave the United States if the money is right for the club’s Sporting Director.
Curtin said: “If the money’s right, I think Ernst (Tanner) would obviously entertain it.”
Despite that encouraging bit of news, Leeds must fend off interest from Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb if they are to sign Wagner, who has built a reputation as one of the most creative players in Major League Soccer.
The German has provided five assists in 24 MLS appearances so far this season, and has actually registered more assists since July than Xherdan Shaqiri.
In fact, the Brotherly Game – a Philadelphia Union page – believes Wagner has an “elite” left-foot, while he is also among the most “dangerous” technicians in the entire division.
Leeds could do with another left-back after losing Junior Firpo to injury for eight weeks – the defender suffered an injury in July during a friendly against Crystal Palace.
Leeds could sign a gem in Kai Wagner
As we’ve seen with the likes of Miguel Almiron, success in the United States does not always translate to the Premier League – the difference is quality between both divisions is vast, to say the least.
However, Wagner’s qualities seem to be befitting of a top player – as aforesaid, he is outperforming Shaqiri on a creative level, a man who has played at the highest level for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Of course, he could be quite suspect defensively, although Marsch knows football well in that area of the world, so we would trust him to know all about the 25-year-old and what he can do.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as we would be very surprised if Leeds do not sign another left-back.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
