German-born left-back Kai Wagner will ‘absolutely’ be leaving his club this winter, according to an expert on his league, following speculation linking him to Leeds United in the summer.
Wagner, 25, is currently plying his trade at the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, where he is enjoying a fantastic 2022 season, and also where he previously played with Brenden Aaronson.
Brenden Aaronson celebrates with Kai Wagner after scoring against the D.C. United. / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
8 assists in 32 games is impressive for any full-back, but perhaps even more impressive is the fact that in that time, he has played every single minute in far-and-away the league’s best defence, conceding just 22 goals in the process. The league’s second-best have conceded 35.
Wagner celebrates after scoring against Toronto FC. / Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Reportedly a major target for Leeds in the summer transfer window, The Whites eventually did not sign a left-back at all, despite Stuart Dallas’ long-term injury and Junior Firpo’s pre-season injury, leaving Pascal Struijk to play in an unnatural role.
Watching games, Struijk’s lack of understanding in terms of positioning at left-back is evident, and of course understandable since he is primarily a central player. This is leaving gaps in the defence further across, as the rest of the defensive unit work to try to mitigate the effects of this.
Wagner can undoubtedly fill this gap. An MLS all-star this season, his quality has been recognised across the pond for years. Almost universally seen as the best left-back in a league which has produced defensive talent such as Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, many European sides are interested, according to MLS journalist Tom Bogert:
“Sources: Expectation is that Philadelphia Union star LB Kai Wagner will “absolutely” be sold to Europe this winter. Leeds United far from the only club interested, will be difficult for them now rather than the summer.”