Who is Dejan Ljubicic? Leeds United transfer target profiled with Glen Kamara upgrade identified

Leeds United are expected to continue their pursuit of Dejan Ljubicic, identifying the Austrian as a midfield upgrade for the departed Glen Kamara.

Having already seen an initial bid of €4m rejected for the FC Köln midfielder, reports suggest this will not end United’s push to sign the dynamic midfielder. Although the German outfit appear confident they can retain the 26-year-old’s services, Daniel Farke’s side will continue to push for Ljubicic’s signature.

Kamara’s departure to Rennes less than a year after arriving in Yorkshire from Rangers has left a significant hole in the center of the park which must be on Farke’s mind during the pre-season programme. However, with the fee for the Fin said to be approaching the £8m mark, there is a strong chance of reinvestment.

So who is Ljubicic? Here’s everything you need to know about Kamara’s rumored replacement.

Read more: Dejan Ljubicic has already addressed FC Koln future amid failed Leeds United transfer bid

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Born to Bosnian Croat parents in Austria, Ljubicic, now 26, came through Rapid Vienna’s esteemed academy where, after playing nearly 50 times for the second team, he went on to make 131 appearances for first team, including 11 in the Europa League.

Upon the expiry of his contract in his native country, Ljubicic completed a free transfer to FC Koln in 2021. He played in the 2022/23 Europa Conference League campaign, which preceded the disappointing relegation to the 2. Bundesliga the following season in which Ljubicic 26 league appearances.

Since arriving in the Cathedral City, the dynamic midfielder has represented Austria on nine separate occasions. But he was not selected for this summer’s European Championship, where ‘Das Team’ impressed en route to the last 16.

Why do United want to sign him?

The departures of Kamara and Archie Gray have left Leeds looking somewhat light in midfield. Ljubicic looks set to be Kamara’s direct replacement, while also providing direct competition for fellow new signing Joe Rothwell.

Farke has already commented on the need for additional reinforcements, saying: “Happy (with the window) so far, but especially in the central position we won’t sleep until the window is really closed.”

Leeds may also believe they can secure the Austrian’s services for a cut-price deal. Ljubicic has said he is “happy” to stay at Cologne but has yet to commit his future to the club. He has less than a year left on his contract.