Leeds United putting together offer for German defender Philipp Max as potential Junior Firpo upgrade

Samuel Bannister 27 Jul 2022 9:42 PM

Leeds United are tabling an offer for PSV Eindhoven defender Philipp Max, according to a European report.

So far this summer, Leeds have added several players to their squad. Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra and Sonny Perkins have all walked through the entrance at Elland Road.

However, there could yet be further business for them to conduct before the transfer window closes on September 1st. One area they may want to reinforce is at left-back.

Their only current experienced option in that role is Junior Firpo, who came in for some criticism during his debut season in the Premier League. Even if the former Barcelona man is to come good, there would be no harm in adding more competition for his place.

Indeed, regardless of his form, Firpo is currently out with an injury anyway. His club could require a new signing to ensure they are covered for the start of the season.

In that regard, Leeds could have their eyes on Germany international Philipp Max. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Leeds have set their sights on the PSV man.

In fact, they have decided to launch an offer of around €8m (around £6.7m). It would be a similar fee to what PSV paid to sign him from Augsburg in 2020.

Whether the bid has been submitted, or it is just a plan Leeds have agreed internally on, is not explicitly specified. But one would imagine progress has been made for them to get to this point.

At the age of 28, Max would bring a decent level of experience to Leeds if he was to join. Across his career, he has represented Schalke, Karlsruher, Augsburg and PSV.

Hence, he has no Premier League experience, but the same has gone for most of United’s signings so far this summer. They could continue that theme by opting for Max as their latest recruit.

Philipp Max might be upgrade on Junior Firpo

His contract with PSV, for whom he has made 91 appearances, is only due to run until 2024. During his time with the Dutch club, he has provided 18 assists and eight goals.

Last season, he contributed two goals and six assists from 48 appearances in all competitions. In contrast, Firpo failed to score and only provided two assists from 27 appearances with Leeds.

Therefore, Max may be more effective if he could successfully adapt to English football. As a former target for several other Premier League sides, there seems to be a confidence that he could.

His own stance on a transfer is not clear at this moment in time. He is unlikely to be in contention for Germany’s squad for the World Cup in November, but will still want to ensure his club career is going well.

At PSV, he would have Champions League football to play for. At Leeds, the situation would be different, but perhaps the Premier League may have its own lure of some description.

Leeds United