According to RMC Sport, as cited by Talksport, Leeds United are among the clubs interested in Julian Draxler. The PSG playmaker is facing an uncertain future in the French capital, with the club looking to offload him this summer. This has put the Whites on red alert, although Draxler himself might not be so keen on moving to Elland Road.
Julian Draxler: A Talented Yet Unfortunate German Sensation
Even during the early parts of his career, Julian Draxler was often regarded as the next big thing in German football. Following successful spells at FC Schalke and VfL Wolfsburg, the playmaker even got his big break when he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in January 2017, for a fee of €36 million.
Unfortunately, Draxler’s spell at PSG has been marred by the lack of first-team opportunities. He has struggled to cope with the ever-increasing competition in the attacking department, especially against the likes of Angel Di Maria, Neymar and Pablo Sarabia. He has been primarily considered as a squad option, even under the German Thomas Tuchel.
However, that does not indicate Draxler’s lack of quality at the highest level of football. In fact, the German international, despite his lack of opportunities, has still managed to impress the onlookers with his impressive chance creation and an ability to carry the ball across half-spaces.
The ex-Schalke prodigy also possesses a brilliant vision that allows him to pick key passes in the final third while he is versatile enough to feature even in a central midfield role.
How Does He Fit At Leeds United?
Draxler could be a massive coup for Leeds United for multiple reasons. He can provide the creative essence in an already potent attacking unit, boasting players like Helder Costa, Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison.
Hernandez, in particular, is one of Leeds’ key players in terms of creativity. But at the age of 35, the Spaniard may find it challenging to keep up with the fitness requirements of the Premier League. That is where Draxler could be useful.
The German international can be an ideal alternative to Hernandez in the number ten role. He can thrive alongside technically gifted players like Rodrigo Moreno and Kalvin Phillips, thus providing more strength to Leeds’ possession-based style of play under Marcelo Bielsa.
Not to mention, Draxler boasts a wealth of experience at the highest level of football, which could be useful for an otherwise young and inexperienced Leeds United setup. Unfortunately, it remains unlikely that he will end up at Elland Road as the playmaker is more than qualified to not only fight for his place at PSG but also make himself an excellent signing for any top Premier League outfit.
