Leeds signing this top-class 26-year-old German star would be a great creative boost for Bielsa

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Why Leeds United should revive their interest in Julian Draxler

According to Leeds Live, it is being reported that Leeds United target Julian Draxler might be given a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain. The German who was linked with a move to Leeds is in the final few months of his contract as PSG are trying to prevent him from walking out on a free transfer.

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It seems hard to believe that Julian Draxler is still only 26, simply because he has been around at the highest level for almost a decade. The attacking midfielder rose through the youth ranks of Schalke and made his Bundesliga debut way back during the 2010-11 campaign.

Draxler established himself as one of the most promising young playmakers in Germany during his time at Schalke, accumulating an impressive tally of 30 goals and 29 assists in 170 appearances across all competitions.

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DARMSTADT, GERMANY – OCTOBER 22: Julian Draxler of VfL Wolfsburg challenges Jerome Gondorf of Darmstadt and Leon Guwara of Darmstadt during the Bundesliga match between SV Darmstadt 98 and VfL Wolfsburg at Stadion am Boellenfalltor on October 22, 2016 in Darmstadt, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Bongarts/Getty Images)

The right-footed creative wizard had a brief stint at Wolfsburg before moving across the continent to join French giants PSG back in January 2017. Draxler has struggled to nail down a regular starting role at the French capital due to competition for places. But he has still managed an impressive return of 22 goals and 32 assists in 146 appearances.

A full international for Germany since 2012, Draxler was a part of the squad that lifted the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and captained his nation to a triumphant campaign at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, bagging the Golden Ball award in the process.

Leeds need to go back for Draxler in January

While Leeds did enjoy a good start on their return to the Premier League, a couple of losses have somewhat brought them back to reality. It’s not that they have a bad squad but it’s just that they need better players to tackle the beast that is the Premier League.

fbl eng pr liverpool leeds
Leeds United’s Argentinian head coach Marcelo Bielsa (L) talks to his substitute players Leeds United’s Welsh striker Tyler Roberts (C) and Leeds United’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Rodrigo (R) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on September 12, 2020. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Their squad looks adept in most departments but there seems to be some chinks when it comes to creative midfielders. Tyler Roberts and Pablo Hernandez are their only two players in that position while Rodrigo Moreno has been shoehorned there this season.

Roberts is too young to be relied on. Hernandez is running on his last legs at 35 and Rodrigo is a makeshift attacking midfielder. It is clear that an established playmaker is needed at Elland Road and Julian Draxler could be their man.

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An exceptional No.10, Draxler has played for the biggest clubs in Europe. With an eye for a killer pass and a mean shot in his pocket, he has the ideal qualities Leeds need at the moment. They should try to sign him in the next transfer window.