Daniel Farke eyes reunion with midfielder at Leeds United | OneFootball

Julian Weigl could be a target for Leeds United and Daniel Farke this summer, with a previous relationship at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Leeds United have plenty of work to do both in terms of incomings and outgoings this summer, and Daniel Farke's side are already being linked with some former players of his in Borussia Mönchengladbach's Julian Weigl.

The Whites are almost in a position where they are able to focus on signings for next season, with discussions likely to be held constantly behind the seasons regarding recruitment. While not concretely linked or said to have interest in Weigl, Bild (via Sport Witness) states that he has a "close" connection with Farke.

Leeds had a quiet recent window, with four outgoing players via loans for Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Crew, with Jeremiah Mullen being their only other sale on top of Sonny Perkins. No signings were made by Leeds in January, with Farke and co. opting to hold on to what they have.

It's now paramount that Leeds put a strong run together and accumulate a healthy points tally in the second half of the campaign, even without any additions to the side. However, planning for next season is likely to be on the agenda in multiple areas, including the centre of midfield.

More victories like last night's 4-0 demolition of Watford are likely to accelerate the process in looking at signings for promotion, which could include Weigl.

Leeds interest in Daniel Farke and Julian Weigl reunion emerges

Farke played the midfielder 24 times across the 2022/23 season, with his action limited around the middle of the season due to injury issues. Weigl was on loan at the time, having left Borussia Dortmund and the Bundesliga for Portuguese giants SL Benfica.

The reports from German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness) state that there is is no active desire to sell Weigl at Mönchengladbach's end at this stage, but change is likely this summer and there could be outgoings, with it stated that it is one to keep an eye on with regards to Leeds.

Farke and Weigl's relationship during their overlap at Gladbach is seen as the reason. Weigl started regularly, and even though Farke would depart at the end of that campaign, the loan man stayed put and signed permanently, where he now regularly captains the side as the vice-captain.

The former Germany international has since gone on to play 81 times for Mönchengladbach, notching three goals and five assists from a central or defensive midfield role. He’s under contract at Borussia-Park until the summer of 2028.

Leeds' midfield options heading towards 2025/26

Leeds' engine room is well stocked currently, with the versatile defensive midfielder or centre-back Josuha Guilavogui brought in by Farke and Leeds as they aimed to source cover following Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev's injuries back in September and October.

He has not started a league game, while the likes of the aforementioned duo, Ao Tanaka, and Joe Rothwell have been excellent all season in central midfield. That said, Rothwell is only a loan and Guilavogui is out of contract this summer.

Therefore, no matter what, Leeds are likely to need at least one more option to compete at the base of midfield in Farke's double-pivot, irrespective of whether the Whites gain promotion or not. Weigl is almost certainly a signing the club would have to be playing top-flight football to make.

His vast experience and leadership would be important for survival in the Premier League, but Weigl is also almost 30. That means he would hold no resale value, which is likely to be a big factor in Leeds' recruitment process this summer.