Kai Wagner likely to quit Philadelphia Union by January, Leeds United free transfer on the cards
Kai Wagner is likely to quit Philadelphia Union when his contract expires at the end of the 2023 campaign, with a free transfer to Leeds United on the cards, according to The Athletic.
The website reported on Thursday (12 October) that sources had said both Wagner and Alejandro Bedoya are set to depart the MLS club upon the expiration of their contracts, leaving them as free agents and allowing the Whites the chance to make a move for the full-back.
Leeds were previously linked with the record-breaking left-back when Jesse Marsch was in charge at Elland Road, as the American looked to add the best left-back in MLS to his side after he set a new record for assists in a season from a defender with 15.
The Union’s regular season comes to an end this weekend but they have already clinched a playoff spot, but by the time the January transfer window rolls around, the Whites will be free to finally turn their interest into a concrete offer.
Left-back problem
For season after season, Leeds United have had a problem at left-back as they have signed countless players to attempt to finally find a solid and consistent option to operate on that side of defence and Wagner would appear to finally offer the solution to that issue.
The question for Daniel Farke will be whether or not he feels another option in his defence, given Sam Byram’s excellent start to life at Elland Road and the fact that Junior Firpo appears to finally be closing in on a return from injury.
On top of these two obvious options, Archie Gray has shown he can perform as a full-back in Farke’s system, while Jamie Shackleton has deputised whenever he has been required. Although an extra addition would be a bonus in January, it may not be the priority when the transfer window opens once again.
The 26-year-old German would provide Leeds with a slightly more attacking option however, having registered eight goal contributions in 27 matches so far this season, but more often than not signing players who have barely played outside of the MLS can be a bit of a gamble
Assuming Wagner does depart Philadelphia come the end of the campaign, this could be one to keep half an eye on.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds have submitted three documents to Companies House to confirm Andrea Radrizzani’s Elland Road exit