“I find that exciting” – German international makes claim amid Leeds United links
Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder, Julian Weigl, has issued comments on his long-term future at Borussia-Park amid links to Leeds United at the turn of the year.
The Bundesliga team is familiar with current United manager Daniel Farke, who oversaw the team during a lacklustre 2022–2023 season for the former UEFA Champions League regulars before being fired and taking over at Elland Road.
Before Weigl’s tenure was extended and he committed to the team until 2028, Farke was the one who brought the six-time “Die Mannschaft” international to Mönchengladbach on a loan.
As United looks to earn promotion out of the Championship in the forthcoming final eight games, they have been connected to a number of prospective high-quality arrivals in recent weeks throughout the entire team.
Weigl undoubtedly falls into that category, but Leeds may suffer a setback in any possible summer pursuit as a result of the holding midfielder’s remarks to the Rheinische Post, which Sport Witness reported.
Julian Weigl drops “exciting” claim amid previous Leeds United links
The German sports publication BILD, via Sport Witness, reported in mid-February that the former Norwich City manager’s relationship with the former Borussia Dortmund player was cited as a major factor in any possible transfer to West Yorkshire. This led to rumours of a reunion between Farke and Weigl.
Farke used the 29-year-old’s services 24 times after initially signing him on loan from Benfica. However, the midfielder has since moved up to a much more senior position in North Rhine-Westphalia, where he currently serves as Jonas Omlin’s vice captain and has worn the armband 19 times this season.
| Total | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 25 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Big Chances Created | 2 |
| Key Passes per Game | 0.5 |
| Interceptions per Game | 1.6 |
| Tackles per Game | 1.7 |
| Recoveries per Game | 4.1 |
| Duels Won per Game | 3.9 |
Although “Die Folen” haven’t participated in any European competition since the 2020–21 season, when they were eliminated in the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League, they are vying with some of Germany’s best teams to end this trend. With eight games left, they are only two points behind a Conference League berth next season.
Despite rumours of a first stint in English football and a reunion with his former manager, Weigl has made clear where he views his long-term future, demonstrating the improvement made at the club since Gerardo Seoane took over Farke in the summer of 2023.
“When I extended my contract here, it was a commitment for the near future. I still have three years left on my contract, and I can see what’s developing here, that something is growing. I find that exciting,” he said via the Rheinische Post.
“Last year wasn’t easy for me personally either, and I’ve learned a lot on a personal level. It was stressful being captain and one of the faces of this difficult season. I’ve let it get to me. That’s why I’m happy that I’ve moved on now, personally and as a player.”
Kalvin Phillips developments may soften Leeds United, Julian Weigl blow
Even though Farke has a number of excellent players in the middle of the park at his disposal, adding a player with Weigl’s skill and background would be a clear indication of intent if promotion were to be attained.
The guy who left his boyhood club to join Manchester City in a reputed £42.5 million transfer is ready to return to LS11 this summer, so even if these discoveries may be devastating, recent rumours of a reunion with Kalvin Phillips are sure to cushion the blow.
Naturally, that hinges on United’s ability to overcome Burnley and Sheffield United’s challenge as the Championship season approaches its typically dramatic conclusion.
The Whites, who have only lost once in West Yorkshire this season, will try to maintain their strong home record when they play Swansea City at Elland Road on Saturday.
