According to SportBild, Leeds United are among clubs interested in Josip Brekalo. The VfL Wolfsburg attacker has been linked with a move away from the Volkswagen Arena following his successful season and is expected to cost around €15 million. Leeds United, though, are set to face stiff competition from league rivals Arsenal as well as Serie A trio in Fiorentina, AC Milan and Napoli.
Josip Brekalo’s Success At Wolfsburg
Josip Brekalo has been a part of the Wolfsburg side since the summer of 2016. However, it wasn’t until last season when he became a fully-fledged starter for the factory club, featuring in 30 league matches and chipping in with three goals and four assists.
This season, though, Brekalo has stepped up to the plate, with a total of ten-goal involvements in 29 matches. Although the figures might not seem particularly impressive, it has been crucial behind Wolfsburg’s successful campaign that saw them finish inside the box and secure Champions League football for the first time in six years.
The Croat has indeed impressed the onlookers with his ability to create chances in the final third, averaging 1.3 key passes per game. He is particularly good at crossing the ball or finding teammates in spaces, while his speed makes him a scourge for the defenders on the counter.
Brekalo loves to take on defenders as well as making runs in behind the backline – making him a well-rounded winger, who is more than capable of thriving at the highest level of football.
Is He A Good Investment For Leeds United?
Brekalo is a probing winger, much like Helder Costa of Leeds United. He can offer the flair, speed and trickery that often becomes useful when dominating possession.
However, the former Dinamo Zagreb starlet is also known for his aggression which should help him settle in quickly under Marcelo Bielsa’s high-octane pressing style. He has already thrived under Oliver Glasner’s intense pressing unit at Wolfsburg – making him a tactically compatible option for Leeds United.
At Elland Road, the 22-year-old can prove to be an ideal competitor for Jack Harrison and Helder Costa next season, as Bielsa looks to add more depth in his attacking department.
With over 100 Bundesliga appearances, Brekalo is already quite experienced at the highest level of football. And for a fee of just €15 million, the Croat could potentially be a bargain for the Whites this summer.
