Leeds United are pursuing a deal to sign a right-back that could make an appearance in the Champions League final on June 1, and he has been compared to none other than Brazil legend Cafu.
The Whites are expected to be in the market this summer but to what extent, depends on the result on Sunday. Whether Leeds secure promotion to the Premier League, or lose to Southampton at Wembley.
A win over Southampton will see Leeds go after a higher profile of player, those that are keen on a move to the Premier League. One of those is Marius Wolf, who is about to see his contract come to an end.
The five-time Germany star has been a regular part of a Dortmund side that have reached the Champions League final. While he has only started 14 times this term, he has clocked up 31 appearances this term.
The flying right-back is out of contract at the end of the season and reports claim Leeds have made an enquiry to sign Wolf if the club are promoted. He has been compared to Cafu in the past:
Leeds target Marius Wolf compared to Brazil legend Cafu
The 28-year-old is renowned for his defensive work given his height but also his speed in getting forward, and his numbers in the final third. Having played 121 times for Dortmund, he has had a hand in 11 goals.
Six goals and 11 assists in 38 games at Robin Koch’s Frankfurt, 10 goals and assists in 44 at 1860 Munich. This is a player who can score, create and defend from the right flank, little surprise he is likened to Cafu.
The Bundesliga website said in 2023, under the title ‘Plays a bit like: Cafu’, about Wolf: “Just like the legendary Brazil World Cup winner, Wolf is stamina personified.
“The German’s ability to combine patient passing with an explosive, forward drive brings back memories of the ex-AC Milan star. Wolf is also capable of being in the right place at the right time to score goals.”
What does Wolf interest mean for Leeds current options?
While it is unclear if Wolf would be tempted by a move to Elland Road even if the club are promoted, it does mean that Leeds are keen on a new right-back and looking to strengthen their options in that area.
Connor Roberts has been confirmed as returning to Burnley, meaning Leeds have decided not to sign him permanently. Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton are both out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 term.
This interest in Wolf, regardless of whether Leeds get him or not, clearly means that Leeds are not only planning for life without Roberts, but also Shackleton and Byram ahead of the 2024-25 season.