- Leeds United’s bid for Ljubičić was rejected by Köln, but they may return with an improved offer.
- The midfielder played a key role for Köln last season in the Bundesliga despite their relegation to the second division.
- Leeds need to strengthen their midfield after several departures, with Ljubičić being seen as a potential replacement for Kamara.
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Leeds United lack depth and quality in midfield following the departures of Glen Kamara and Archie Gray and are said to have had a bid rejected by 1. FC Köln for midfielder Dejan Ljubičić.
The first bid worth €4 million (£3.4 million) has been knocked by Köln, according to German outlet BILD. The 2. Bundesliga outfit’s managing director Christian Keller has stood firm on the offer from the Whites for the Austrian international’s services.
Ljubičić has been with Köln since 2021, and made 26 appearances in the German top-flight last season. The midfielder was a regular presence in the side as they finished 17th in the table, suffering relegation to the second division of German football along with Darmstadt.
Köln have previosuly turned down interest from Wolfsburg for the midfielder just 12 months ago, but recent relegation could open the door for an exit from the German club this summer, with Leeds one of the clubs most interested.
After midfield departures of their own, Leeds need to replace both Gray and Kamara with more than just Joe Rothwell. The 29-year-old loanee has bolstered Leeds’ ranks and should bring more goals and creativity to Daniel Farke’s team from the middle of the park.
However, following the further departures of Darko Gyabi, Marc Roca, Lewis Bate, and Jamie Shackleton this summer, Leeds are light in midfield areas. Another player in the box-to-box role with serious output could help make Leeds an even more impressive team from midfield next year, and give them the required depth for another automatic promotion push.
The verdict on Dejan Ljubičić’s links to Leeds
It remains to be seen what kind of fee could convince Köln to accept a bid for the 26-year-old, but Leeds are likely to return with an improved offer. It is understo that the German side are preparing a contract offer to try and tie down the player to a longer-term deal, but he is unlikely to agree to fresh terms:
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