Leeds United are reportedly keen on PSV Eindhoven left-back Philipp Max, as manager Jesse Marsch looks to shore up his defence.
The Whites were defensively all over the place during the first part of the 2022/23 campaign, leaking 26 goals in just 14 Premier League games. The defence has become an area of concern for the club and Jesse Marsch wants to address it in the upcoming winter transfer window.
According to Football Insider, PSV Eindhoven’s Philipp Max is high on Leeds United’s left-back targets. The Yorkshire giants plan to table an offer for the full-back when the transfer window reopens next month.
Max, 29, moved to PSV Eindhoven in 2020 from FC Augsburg and has gone on to feature 114 times for the club, registering eight goals and 20 assists so far. He has a contract at PSV that runs until the summer of 2024 but the player’s potential availability in the January transfer window could see Leeds United table an offer, the report adds.
Philipp Max to Leeds United—Good option for the Whites?
Leeds United started the 2022/23 season with Junior Firpo as the only natural left-back in the squad. The plan backfired, however, with Firpo struggling with fitness and form during the first half of the campaign.
The ex-Barcelona man has been a big disappointment since arriving at Leeds in 2021, majorly due to his fitness concerns. Recurrent injury problems haven’t earned him regular game time and he has managed only two Premier League appearances so far this season.
Firpo recently suffered a minor groin strain and central defender Pascal Struijk cannot be relied upon to deliver consistent performances as a makeshift left-back in the second half of the campaign. Hence, it is not surprising to see Marsch eager to bolster his full-back ranks.
Philipp Max, in that regard, would be a smart fit at Elland Road.
Max had earned a reputation as an attacking left-back in Germany where he registered 15 goals and 29 assists in 156 appearances for FC Augsburg. He has lived up to his high standards at PSV Eindhoven, directly contributing to 28 goals from 114 games across all competitions. The 29-year-old’s attacking displays with PSV have seemingly caught Marsch’s attention.
An adventurous left-back blessed with good pace, passing skills, energy and crossing ability, Philipp Max would fit Marsch’s system at Leeds like a glove. He is a hard worker off the ball and is tenacious in the tackle. In addition, the three-cap Germany international is proficient from set-pieces, which will see him potentially add a new dimension to the Whites’ play during dead ball situations.
Max would be a straight upgrade on Firpo, bringing more to the table in terms of both attacking and defensive aspects. As a result, Leeds United must table a tempting offer to sign him from PSV in January.
