Leeds to contribute to ‘summer disaster’ for Champions League club as new defender eyed
Leeds United are already planning for new signings in the summer.
The Whites had a very quiet winter transfer window, with Facundo Buonanotte joining on loan from Brighton, and Leonard Ngenge’s signing being treated as one for the future.
The most notable exit of the window is Jack Harrison’s loan move to Fiorentina, which will last until the end of the season, with the Italian side having the option to buy him for £6million.
Although it was a quiet month, Leeds already have their eye on new defenders to help them improve in the Premier League next season.
Leeds hold high interest for Daniel Svensson
Leeds are interested in signing Daniel Svensson from Borussia Dortmund, although they face competition from Arsenal and Inter Milan for his signature.
The Sweden international has played 30 times in all competitions for the Champions League side this season in a variety of positions, including left-back, left wing-back, and central midfield.
The German outfit are asking for a fee of £26m for the 23-year-old, although they be forced to sell him in the summer for less.
| Stat | Svensson |
| Appearances | 51 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 4 |
According to a report in Friday’s print edition of Bild, centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is still hesitant about extending his contract with Borussia Dortmund.
The club’s management would like to keep him and make him their highest earner, but he is currently undecided and his potential exit could lead to a mass exodus of defenders in the summer.
This would be a “summer disaster” for Dortmund, the article states, as they risk losing some key figures – Svensson included.
Svensson is on the radar of several clubs, and is ranked as 30 per cent likely to leave by the German newspaper, but this could definitely increase if Schlotterbeck doesn’t renew his contract.
As seen from the Sofascore graphic above, Svensson possesses several qualities that Daniel Farke would certainly value.
Svensson would be a perfect fit for Daniel Farke’s system
Farke was on the verge of being sacked at the start of December, but changing his tactics ultimately saved his job.
Leeds were 2-0 down at half-time against Man City on 29 November, and Farke decided to change the formation to a 5-3-2 shape.
Since then, the Whites have lost only twice in the league, and they appear poised to avoid Premier League relegation.
Svensson’s versatility and athleticism make him perfect for the left wing-back role, as depth is certainly needed in that area.
Gabriel Gudmundsson is the only left-footed player in the squad who is a natural on that side, and Svensson would give him a run for his money.
His crossing ability is definitely a bonus, and the Whites will have to do a lot of convincing in negotiations to beat out Arsenal and Inter Milan for the Swede.