Leeds United‘s Lukas Nmecha has opportunities to leave the Premier League side and make a switch to Germany in the winter market.
The striker graduated from Manchester City’s academy, and after a few loan spells the Etihad club sold him to VfL Wolfsburg in 2021.
He left Wolfsburg as a free agent, allowing Leeds United to secure his services in 2025. In the same window, the Whites also signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin has been the first-choice striker for Daniel Farke since then. He finished his debut season with 15 goals and an assist and has five goals this season. It’s no surprise Nmecha has had to settle for a backup role at Elland Road.
Last season, the 27-year-old played 1,464 minutes from 33 matches, managing seven goals and three assists. This season, he has two assists in 240 minutes from eight matches, of which 91 are in the league.
Leeds United man attracting interest
The limited role hasn’t put off Bundesliga sides and Monday’s print edition of Bild now shares more on 1. FC Köln’s interest.
Thijs Dallinga [cruciate ligament] and Ragnar Ache [muscle injury] are currently on the sidelines. Their setbacks have forced the German club to take action in strengthening the attack in the next window. Their sporting director, Thomas Kessler, has confirmed this.
“We are exploring the market. That’s our job,” he said.
Dallinga’s blow will see Köln look for a new No.9 in January, and this is where the Leeds United man comes into the picture. In fact, Lukas Nmecha’s is a ‘significantly more interesting candidate’ for them.
Why player could push for Leeds United exit
His contract runs out at the end of this season and he hasn’t enjoyed regular game time under Daniel Farke. These factors make him an interesting option for several Bundesliga sides.
Bild only mention Köln as the focus is about their desire to sign Lukas Nmecha in January. He could push for a move if the German club were to assure him of a prominent role.
It ‘would be a coup’ if Köln were to acquire his signature at the start of this year. However, the operation will be financially difficult for them to pull off. There’s no mention of the Whites’ demand, and Transfermarkt value him at €10m.
With Mateo Joseph sidelined with a serious injury, Farke has Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as his two strikers.
In the summer, Leeds United explored the possibility of signing RB Leipzig striker Conrad Harder, after selling Joël Piroe to West Ham United. The Whites finished the last window without replacing Piroe.
Unless Leeds United plan a to sign a new No.9, it wouldn’t make sense to let Nmecha leave in January, even if Joseph regains full fitness.
If the frontman were to still push for a move, the Whites may demand a fee close to his Transfermarkt valuation, making it ‘financially difficult’ for Köln.
