Major Leeds defensive target sparks January move talk after contract snub

Stephan Ambrosius TEAMtalk

Reported Leeds target Stephan Ambrosius has rejected the chance to sign a new contract at Hamburg, sparking rumours of a potential January exit.

The centre-back’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, according to the Hamburger Morgenpost, as cited by HITC. That means he could leave for nothing next summer.

Hamburg are currently five points clear at the Bundesliga 2. That is thanks largely to the goals of Simon Terrode and the strong performances of Ambrosius.

The 21-year-old local lad has impressed during his breakthrough campaign for the club, averaging three successful tackles and 4.2 clearances per game.

He is also good on the ball, with an 89 per cent pass completion rate – news that will have Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa purring.

The report adds that Ambrosius is also in a tug-of-war between Ghana and Germany for his services.

But for the time being, the former St Pauli youngster is focusing on his club football.


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Hamburger Morgenpost adds that Ambrosius has rejected the chance to sign a new deal until 2024. That contract would also include a substantial pay rise on his current £3,500-a-week earnings.

GhanaSoccerNet reported last month that Leeds’ director of football, Victor Orta, was keen on a move for Ambrosius in January after failing to get a deal over the line in the summer window.

Orta is renowned for bringing in unheralded names from mainland Europe, with Ambrosius very much in that category.

However, it would appear that Leeds are not put off by the centre-back playing in Germany’s second tier. Indeed, a potential offer could well be on the cards in the new year.

 

Rodrigo tests positive for Covid-19

Leeds star Rodrigo has revealed he has tested positive for Covid-19 and will now isolate for 10 days.

The Spain international made the announcement via his Instagram account on Tuesday afternoon.

 

Rodrigo had initially missed out on Monday evening’s 4-1 loss to Leicester after being forced to isolate for being in contact with someone with the illness.

However, the 29-year-old has now made it clear he has contracted the virus from a family member.

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa had already stated the summer signing would miss Saturday’s Crystal Palace clash.

He will now target the clash with Arsenal on November 22 as a likely return date.

Rodrigo must isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test result before returning to training or matches. That would mean that he can train freely well before taking on Mikel Arteta’s men. Read more…