Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a move for left-back Kai Wagner. According to the Daily Mail, the Philadelphia Union defender is wanted as competition and cover for Junior Firpo.
The Whites have been linked with a number of left-backs this summer. Leif Davis left the club to join Ipswich, Firpo is currently injured and Pascal Struijk started at left-back in the opening day win against Wolves. There is a lack of depth in that position, particularly as Firpo only played 24 league games last season, missing periods of the campaign through injury.
Leeds reportedly believe they can sign Wagner for £2.5 million. Brentford, Fulham and West Ham have all previously been linked with the player.
READ MORE: Leeds United 'now have something they lacked' as 'magnificent' transfer business hailed
With the left-back linked with a move to Leeds, here is everything you need to know about Kai Wagner
Who is Kai Wagner?
Wagner is a 25-year-old who plays as a left-back for Philadelphia Union in the MLS. The defender is from Germany and his contract at the MLS side expires at the end of 2022, although he does have an option to extend it for 2023.
What has Kai Wagner done so far?
Wagner spent time in the lower leagues of German football before making the move to America. He turned out for SSV Ulm 1846 (fifth tier), FC Schalke 04 II (fourth tier) and Wurzburger Kickers (third tier). He made 95 appearances for those three clubs combined.
At the end of 2019, Wagner moved to Union for an undisclosed fee, and Union finished the 2020 season with the best league record earning his first trophy, the Supporters' Shield. Since being in the MLS, Wagner has provided 17 assists and scored four goals in 106 games.
What type of player is Kai Wagner?
Wagner has established himself as one of the leading players in the MLS. He's an attacking full-back who wants to impact games in the final third - contributing five assists in 24 appearances this season. Speaking of assists, he set up Brenden Aaronson's goal when the new Leeds United man made his debut for the MLS club.
READ MORE: Michael Skubala delivers Leeds United U21 verdict and Jesse Marsch praise
He is also a good defender, and Union have almost always boasted a good defensive record since he's been at the club.
According to WhoScored, Wagner has been the 12th best player in the MLS this season. He has an average rating of 7.25 and has impressed in a Union side who currently top the MLS after 24 games.
Wagner has made 2.4 key passes per game (the 11th best in the MLS) and made 1.8 interceptions per game (14th best in the MLS), showing his defensive and offensive capabilities.
What have people said about Kai Wagner?
Experienced centre-back Aurelien Collin took Wagner under his wing when he first joined Union. The former New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City defender became Wagner's mentor at the club.
“He has the mentality,” Collin told The Athletic. “He’s young. He’s a fighter. He’s not scared of the contact, which is something very important in this league, and I think that’s why right now he’s adapted very well.”
Wagner's head coach, Jim Curtin, has also praised the left-back in the past, saying in 2020 that he could 'play in any league in the world'.
"He has the ability to play for me and in any league in the world," said Curtin.
"I think he’s that talented, and it’s at a position, where let’s be blunt, there’s not a lot of good left backs in the world. Kai is a very strong one and we’re very fortunate to have him."
READ NEXT:
Joel Robles' first words and why Leeds United is 'perfect' step in his career
Angus Kinnear backs Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt as Leeds United striker search goes on
Leeds United players react to Helder Costa's Elland Road departure
David de Gea influence & biggest strengths - Leeds United's Joel Robles profiled
QPR boss makes 'fantastic' Tyler Roberts claim with Leeds United loanee set for debut
