Leeds United’s pursuit of FC Köln midfielder Dejan Ljubičić has hit a snag, as the player was notably absent from his team’s DFB-Pokal match against SV Sandhausen due to reported knee issues. Despite training normally on Friday, Ljubičić was not included in Köln’s matchday squad for the cup fixture, raising speculation about his future.
Leeds had earlier made a £3.3 million (€4 million) bid for Ljubičić, which was rejected by the German club. Reports suggest that the Austrian international is keen on a move to Elland Road, but Köln are reluctant to let him go, especially given their current transfer ban, which prevents them from registering new players.
With Ljubičić under contract until the end of the 2024/25 season, Köln faces the risk of losing him on a free transfer next year if they don’t reach an agreement. However, the club’s head of first-team football, Thomas Kessler, has expressed confidence that the player will stay, even pointing out that the club has assembled an Austrian coaching team to ensure Ljubičić feels comfortable.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has acknowledged the need for a central midfielder, and it remains to be seen if Leeds will increase their offer to secure Ljubičić’s services before the transfer window closes.
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