Published Jul 25, 2026, 6:45 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Daniel Farke's side have already strengthened key areas of the squad, but a new injection of creativity remains a priority for the Whites.

Bringing in a player with Brandt's experience and quality would immediately raise the level of the squad and provide valuable leadership in a dressing room still adapting to the demands of England's top flight.

Brandt may now be 30, but he remains one of Germany's most accomplished attacking midfielders.

After joining Borussia Dortmund from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, he spent seven seasons at Signal Iduna Park, making more than 300 appearances in all competitions.

During that spell, he contributed well over 120 goals and assists combined, helped Dortmund win the DFB-Pokal and played a key role in the club's run to the Champions League final.

His ability to operate as a number 10, wide playmaker or advanced midfielder made him one of the Bundesliga's most versatile attacking players.

Even in his final season with Dortmund, Brandt continued to show his quality.

He finished 25/26 with seven goals and four assists despite sharing minutes in a changing side. While he is no longer at the peak of his career, his vision, passing range and intelligence on the ball remain among his biggest strengths.

That is why Leeds have remained interested throughout the summer.

Julian Brandt makes Leeds or Ajax preference clear with offer made

According to Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell, Brandt currently has contract offers from both Leeds and Ajax following the expiry of his Dortmund deal.

Boswell reports the former Germany international is understood to favour a move to Elland Road because he is fascinated by the opportunity to play in the Premier League for the first time in his career.

However, the journalist adds that Brandt would also be interested in moving to Serie A should a concrete proposal arrive in the near future.

Signing a player with Brandt's pedigree without paying a transfer fee would be a shrewd piece of business. Few lower mid-table Premier League clubs have the opportunity to recruit someone with more than 300 appearances for Borussia Dortmund and almost 50 Germany caps.

However, there are still risks.

Brandt has never previously played outside Germany, and adapting to the intensity of the Premier League at 30 would present a fresh challenge. His consistency has occasionally been questioned during his career, while any deal would almost certainly involve significant wages.

Even so, Leeds appear willing to explore the opportunity.

Farke knows Brandt well from German football, while Leeds' sporting department will recognise the value of adding an experienced international capable of creating chances.

Nothing has been agreed at this stage, and competition remains.

Ajax continue to offer the possibility of European football, while Serie A clubs could yet enter the race if they formalise their interest, but the latest update suggests Leeds are in a strong position.