Leeds United, despite suffering relegation from the Premier League in 2022, succeeded in retaining many of their key men.
Yes, Rodrigo Moreno and Tyler Adams departed. But Ilan Meslier, Crysencio Summerville and the much-admired Wilfried Gnonto all stuck around to help Daniel Farke’s side bounce back.
And bounce back they very nearly did. Only remarkable, 90-plus point hauls by Leicester City and Ipswich Town denied Leeds an automatic promotion place. Only a superb Southampton performance at Wembley denied them a return to the top-flight via the play-offs.
But Leeds will go into 2024/25 as clear favourites – if not for the title then certainly a top-two spot – with Meslier, Summerville and Gnonto still calling Elland Road home.
Leeds United hope to sign Dejan Ljubicic
FC Koln will be hoping that they can take a leaf out of Leeds’ book and retain the services of their most talented players.
That is easier said than done, however.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds have had an opening bid of £3.3 million rejected for Dejan Ljubicic. A new and improved offer may be enough to twist Koln’s arm, in the knowledge that Ljubicic will be a free agent in 12 months’ time.
In an interview with The Express, Ljubicic opened up on his future at the Rhein Energie Stadion for the first time.
And while stopping short of batting his eyelashes in Farke’s direction – he says that there is ‘no agreement’ with Leeds or any of his other suitors – the Austria international was also reluctant to commit his future to a Koln side who finished second-bottom in the Bundesliga table.
“I’m here and I’m concentrating on the essentials, which is to perform well again,” explains Ljubicic, who moved to Germany back in 2021 from Rapid Vienna. “I didn’t play well last season. Compared to what I’m capable of, what I showed wasn’t satisfactory.
“I just want to give it my all in training and offer myself to the new coach. That’s the only thing that counts at the moment.”
Does Ljubicic therefore feel has unfinished business in the Cathedral City? Does he feel a desire to help one of the fallen giants of German football get back to where they really should be?
Daniel Farke’s Elland Road rebuild continues
“Football is a fast-moving business. I am in contact with those responsible and my contract with FC runs until 2025,” the nine-cap international adds. “I am here and I am happy.”
“There is no agreement (with any other club). Everyone knows that I will perform well and give my maximum for the club if I stay here. For me, it is just important that I get back into the rhythm, stay healthy and find my form again.”
“I like the league. I saw a lot of (Bundesliga.2) games last season too, there are a lot of good teams. I think the fans can look forward to an interesting and high-caliber league. Of course, we want to play a very good role in that.
“We have a good team together. It was a strong sign that so many players stayed. I don’t want to loudly announce goals, but we want to have a say at the top with our quality.”
The sale of Glen Kamara to Rennes, the arrival of Joe Rothwell and the interest in Dejan Ljubicic perhaps highlights a change in the midfield roles at Elland Road.
In contrast to Kamara’s safe, sensible use of the ball, Rothwell and Ljubicic are far more ambitious in possession, preferring to drive forward and play through the lines.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
