Leeds United

Leeds United: Insider issues verdict on Florian Grillitsch interest

|
Image for Leeds United: Insider issues verdict on Florian Grillitsch interest

Leeds United’s reported interest in Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch is “definitely” a rumour to be taken seriously, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

After five years at TSG Hoffenheim, the Austrian international’s contract at the Bundesliga club is expiring at the end of the month, which means he is able to talk with any interested parties ahead of a summer move.

The Whites are one of several sides believed to be tracking the 26-year-old, along with fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal, who are also interested in the Austrian’s services.

According to The Telegraph, Leeds have ‘been monitoring’ Grillitsch’s situation ahead of a potential move, although he is not thought to be short of potential suitors. Along with the Gunners, Everton are also tracking the midfielder.

Bundesliga clubs are also said to be watching the midfielder’s predicament closely.

Jones believes the West Yorkshire side can now start to assess “what kind of figures” can come into Jesse Marsch’s setup to help avoid another relegation battle next term.

He told GiveMeSport: “It was difficult for them, obviously, on the back of winning their relegation battle, the relief of that can now kind of sink in, and they can start to look at what kind of figures can actually help them.

“I think that Grillitsch is definitely a target we should take seriously.”

TIF Thoughts on Grillitsch’s potential Leeds move…

The 33-time Austrian international has been a key player for Hoffenheim since joining them from Werder Bremen in 2017. The 26-year-old has made 151 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga club, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists in the process.

The midfielder hasn’t featured since April because of injury, but he still finished the German outfit’s second-best performing player with an impressive SofaScore average rating of 7.21, despite not registering a goal or an assist.

Previously labelled “extraordinary” by Julian Nagelsmann, he has also proven to be a reliable midfield presence under Sebastian Hoeness, averaging 69.9 touches, 0.6 key passes, and a passing success rate of 89%.

The £14.4m-rated metronome is also extremely versatile too, capable of plugging gaps in the defence.

In his last 30 games in all competitions for club and country, he’s often filled in at centre-back, picking up an average WhoScored rating of 7.02 in that position over the past year – highlighting his influence, positional flexibility and understanding.

The £35k-per-week playmaker averaged 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 tackles per game and won 67% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga this term, showcasing that he is a fantastic protector of his defence as well as possessing the capabilities to dictate play from deep – a trait Jesse Marsch will surely admire as he aims to improve his squad next season.

Share this article