An update has emerged on Leeds United and their pursuit of a new left-back heading into the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Journalist Connor McGilligan has revealed that a German full-back is on Victor Orta's radar as the Lillywhites chief plots new additions to Jesse Marsch's team.

Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan said:

“Apparently Leeds United are out there looking at left-back as well in Kai Wagner. I believe he plays for Philadelphia Union.

He went on to add: “But that is just a rumour. A little bit of a very quiet rumour that I’ve been told off air. So yeah, we’ll have to wait and see with that one.

“But it is good that Leeds are focusing in on a left-back as well because I’m a little bit worried I’m not hearing anything on that, apart from a couple of quiet rumours behind closed doors.”

Big Junior Firpo upgrade

Orta can land a big upgrade on the club's current left-back by sealing a deal to sign the 25-year-old MLS gem in the coming months.

Firpo endured a torrid first season in the Premier League as he struggled throughout the campaign. He averaged a poor SofaScore rating of 6.60 as he played in 24 matches for the Lillywhites, showing that he failed to deliver quality displays on a consistent basis.

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Robin Koch (6.52) was the only senior member of the squad with a lower average rating than the ex-Barcelona man and this illustrates how disappointing he was for Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsch.

In Wagner, however, Leeds can improve their options in that area of the pitch. The German defender has been in sensational form in the MLS this year as he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.36 in 14 outings, showing that he has been able to maintain a high standard in his performances.

He was dubbed "fighter" by ex-Union defender Aurelien Collin and lauded as a “very unique” by Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin, which shows how highly he is rated by those within the game.

In 2022, he has made 3.2 tackles and interceptions and created 2.4 chances per game in the MLS. This shows that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch as he can defend and win the ball back for his team whilst also providing quality in the final third.

Therefore, if he can adapt to English football, he can be a big upgrade on the underperforming Firpo and is a player Marsch would love to work with.

AND in other news, Orta can seal "outstanding" Raphinha replacement with Leeds bid for £72k-p/w "machine"...