Albin Ekdal was reportedly a target for Leeds in 2016.
Leeds United were linked with a move for midfielder Albin Ekdal two years ago, and he impressed for Sweden on Monday afternoon as his side beat South Korea at the World Cup.
Ekdal, 28, was linked with a move to Garry Monk’s Leeds in the summer of 2016 as reported by The Yorkshire Evening Post, but instead he remained at German club Hamburger SV where he has continued to impress.
Fast forward two years, and Ekdal impressed for Sweden in Russia as Janne Andersson’s side earned a narrow 1-0 win over South Korea thanks to an Andreas Granqvist penalty in the second half.
Ekdal started in the middle of the park – alongside Leeds star Pontus Jansson – before being substituted in the 62nd minute and helped connect the Sweden side with an organised, polished display.
The former Juventus star hardly gave the ball away, and was always available for the ball. Out of possession, Ekdal was combative and worked hard for his country, offering a protective blanket in front of the back four.
Leeds’ midfield this season would have seriously benefited from having Ekdal alongside the likes of Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips, and judging on his performance on Monday, Leeds should seriously consider Ekdal once again.
Indeed, Ekdal’s future at current side Hamburg could be in doubt following the World Cup, with only a year left on his current deal and Hamburg being relegated to the second tier of German football.
Based on his efforts, Leeds should seriously consider what could be an achievable move to sign Ekdal, and reignite their interest from 2016.
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