Soccer Football - Bundesliga - VfL Wolfsburg v 1. FC Union Berlin - Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany - May 8, 2021 VfL Wolfsburg's Josip Brekalo scores their first goal Pool via REUTERS/Cathrin Mueller DFL regulations prohibit any use of photographs as image sequences and/or quasi-video.
Leeds United and Everton are both thought to be interested in Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo.
The Lowdown: A wide addition with Costa to depart?
Reliable Leeds reporter Phil Hay recently backed the Whites to make five signings in the upcoming transfer window ahead of the 2021/22 season.
One of those areas to strengthen in could well be out wide, as Leeds are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for Helder Costa over the coming months.
Should Costa depart, that would leave Marcelo Bielsa with just Jack Harrison, Raphinha and youngster Ian Poveda as wide options.
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The Latest: European interest
According to the Daily Express, Leeds are tracking Brekalo. Everton have reportedly watched the 22-year-old in action, with Bayern Munich and Napoli also keen.
Brekalo is reportedly set to feature for Croatia at this summer’s European Championships and could well face off against Kalvin Phillips in England’s first group game.
He’s already won 22 caps for his country and is on just £32,000-a-week with Wolfsburg – less than both Gaetano Berardi and Kiko Casilla’s Elland Road deals.
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The Verdict: Orta on to his next Raphinha?
The £10.8m-rated ace can play on either wing, so his versatility could be an attribute that appeals to Victor Orta and Bielsa ahead of a potential summer switch.
Should Costa depart, Brekalo could well be a shrewd addition to come in. He’s clearly highly thought of across Europe considering some of the clubs keen on his services.
Orta struck gold by landing Raphinha on deadline day last year, and he’s gone on to establish himself as Leeds’ best-rated league performer, as per WhoScored.
Some Whites fans may not have known who the Brazilian was when he moved to Yorkshire, and that could be the case with Brekalo too, even though he has one more top flight goal than the Brazilian this term with seven.
Both players can operate from both flanks (Brekalo, Raphinha) and both are nowhere near the peaks of their powers at just 22 and 24 years of age respectively.
With his salary seemingly in Leeds’ price range and plenty of international experience at just 22 years of age, the club may well be onto another young talent who can create and score goals from either wing.
In other news: ‘He has an offer from Leeds’ – Transfer bombshell on £17.2m ace with as many assists as Jadon Sancho, find out more here.Â
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