"I find that exciting" - German international makes claim amid Leeds United links | OneFootball

Weigl had been linked with a potential reunion with Daniel Farke

Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder, Julian Weigl, has issued comments on his long-term future at Borussia-Park amid links to Leeds United at the turn of the year.

Current United boss Daniel Farke is no stranger to the Bundesliga side, having been in charge of the club during an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign for the previous UEFA Champions League regulars, before being dismissed and subsequently taking charge at Elland Road.

Farke was the man who signed the six-time 'Die Mannschaft' international for Mönchengladbach, initially on a loan basis, before Weigl's stay was made permanent and saw him commit his future to the club until 2028.

In recent weeks, United have been linked with a plethora of potential high-quality signings across all areas of the squad as they look to secure promotion out of the Championship in the upcoming final eight games.

Weigl certainly comes under that bracket, but after speaking to the Rheinische Post - as relayed by Sport Witness - the holding midfielder's comments could be a blow to Leeds in any potential summer pursuit.

Julian Weigl drops "exciting" claim amid previous Leeds United links

Links regarding a reunion between Farke and Weigl came through German sports outlet BILD - via Sport Witness - in mid-February, in which it was stated that the former Norwich City boss' relationship with the ex-Borussia Dortmund man was highlighted as a key facet behind any potential move to West Yorkshire.

After signing the midfielder initially on loan from Benfica, Farke utilised the 29-year-old's services on 24 occasions, but the midfielder has since gone on to have a much more senior role in North-Rhine-Westphalia, as he is the current vice-captain behind Jonas Omlin, and has worn the armband 19 times in the Bundesliga this term.

'Die Folen' haven't competed in any form of European competition since the 2020/21 campaign, where they would be knocked out of the UEFA Europa League at the Group Stage, but are competing among some of Germany's top sides to break such a cycle, as they find themselves just two points behind a spot in the Conference League next term with eight games remaining.

The progression which has been made at the club since Gerardo Seoane replaced Farke in the summer of 2023 has been evident, with Weigl providing clarity on where he sees his long-term future despite links of a first stint in English football and a reunion with his former boss.

“When I extended my contract here, it was a commitment for the near future. I still have three years left on my contract, and I can see what’s developing here, that something is growing. I find that exciting," he said via the Rheinische Post.

“Last year wasn’t easy for me personally either, and I’ve learned a lot on a personal level. It was stressful being captain and one of the faces of this difficult season. I’ve let it get to me. That’s why I’m happy that I’ve moved on now, personally and as a player.”

Kalvin Phillips developments may soften Leeds United, Julian Weigl blow

Whilst Farke has an array of high-quality options to call upon in the centre of the park, the addition of a player with Weigl's ability and experience if promotion was to be achieved would be a real statement of intent.

However, whilst such revelations may come as a blow, recent links of a reunion with Kalvin Phillips is likely to soften such developments, with the man who left his boyhood club to join Manchester City in a reported £42.5m switch, eager on a return to LS11 this summer.

Of course, that depends on whether United are able to rise above the challenge set by Sheffield United and Burnley as the Championship season reaches what is set to be a usually dramatic climax.

The Whites return to Elland Road next Saturday to take on Swansea City, as they look to continue their fine run of form on home turf, only losing once in West Yorkshire all season in the league.