As per reports by Birmingham Mail, Leeds United are closely monitoring Union Berlin defender, Kristian Pedersen, and are keen to lure him to Elland Road this summer. The report further states that Leeds United’s league rivals, Birmingham City, are also in the race to sign him and thus, it will be intriguing to see which club has the last laugh.
The Whites are in the need of some serious additions before the next season starts. Under the tutelage of Thomas Christiansen as well as Paul Heckingbottom, the Yorkshire based outfit struggled to find their footing in the race for promotion to the Premier League and concluded the season at the 13th spot in the Championship’s standings with 60 points.
Heckingbottom is under quite a lot of pressure already. Leeds need more freshness in their squad, regardless of who the manager will be during next season.
Pedersen started his professional career at Danish first division outfit, HB Koge, after being spotted at Ringsted IF. At the young age of 20, he went straight into the first team of HB Kobe and carved a good name for himself.
His dazzling performances caught the attention of Denmark Under-21 side and soon, he was signed by Union Berlin in 2016 for a fee which is believed to be around £225,000.
He was put directly into the German side and has featured regularly for them in German Bundesliga II for two full seasons. He started 30 of Berlin’s 34 games last season and helped his employers to secure an eight-placed finish in the league.
There are doubts over the future of Tom Pearce and Laurens De Bock has flattered to deceive from the left-back slot and thus, Pedersen seems like a decent target. Besides, he is a versatile player and is capable of plying his trade as a left-winger as well. Despite his short career, he has quite a lot of experience.
It is reported that the Blues have made a £2million bid for the Danish ace and thus, Leeds United have to make a move if they want to sign him.
While the Peacocks do need a prominent left-back, an area where they have struggled after the departure of Charlie Taylor to Burnley, signing Pedersen will involve a substantial amount of risk. He is not acclimatised to English football and thus, his experience in Danish and German leagues do not guarantee success in the Championship which is much more physical.