Leeds United Pursues RB Leipzig’s Conrad Harder but Cools Interest, Reports Say
Leeds United initiated late discussions regarding a potential move for RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old Danish striker, Conrad Harder, as reported by transfer insider Graeme Bailey. Manager Daniel Farke seeks additional attacking options to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, and Leeds hopes their connections with the Red Bull Group could give them a negotiating advantage.
The proposed strategy involves a loan-to-buy arrangement, similar to a bid already made by Lazio. However, The Yorkshire Post has since stated that Leeds has significantly reduced its interest in Harder, leaving Lazio and Galatasaray in a stronger position.
Farke confirmed that Belgian winger Largie Ramazani is also available for transfer. Ramazani, who spent the previous season on loan at Valencia, had a permanent deal worth £10 million declined but is still a target for another agreement. Additionally, Leeds United is working on securing a deal for German goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, a move that may facilitate Lucas Perri’s exit from the club.
Despite the initial interest, reports suggest that Harder may not be the right fit for Farke’s current needs. Having cost RB Leipzig €30 million from Sporting CP, Harder’s debut season in the Bundesliga featured just three goals and three assists in 29 appearances, with limited playing time. The arrival of Martin Demichelis at RB Leipzig has further pushed him down the squad hierarchy.
Farke’s tactical approach has shifted from the 4-2-3-1 formation that initially defined his coaching style to a more conservative model. This often involves a back five or a structured 4-3-3 that requires a striker capable of linking play under pressure and maintaining positional discipline.
Analysis of Harder’s performance indicates that he may not fit this profile. During the 2025/26 season, he averaged 4.11 shots per 90 minutes, reflecting a desire to finish rather than create chances. His passing accuracy of 70.8% raises concerns within a system that relies heavily on ball retention.
Last season, Harder lost possession 55 times, a statistic that would likely be problematic for Farke. While he demonstrates strong pressing and running capabilities, his aerial prowess has been underwhelming, as he won only 22 aerial duels despite standing 6’1″ tall. Overall, Harder appears to be more suited for a dynamic counter-attacking style rather than the damage-limitation approach associated with a lower-table Premier League club like Leeds United.
Leeds United made a late enquiry for RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old Danish striker Conrad Harder this week, according to a report relayed by transfer insider Graeme Bailey. Manager Daniel Farke is chasing attacking cover behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, with Leeds hoping their formal ties to the Red Bull Group might offer them an edge in negotiations.
Leeds United eye RB Leipzig forward in late window move, says report
A loan-to-buy structure is the proposed route in, mirroring a bid Lazio already lodged. However, The Yorkshire Post have since reported that Leeds United have cooled considerably on the move, leaving Lazio and Galatasaray in the box seat.
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Farke also confirmed Belgian winger Largie Ramazani can leave. Ramazani spent last season on loan at Valencia, who passed on a permanent deal worth £10m but remain keen on a fresh arrangement. Separately, Leeds United are working to complete a deal for German goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, a signing that would open the door for Lucas Perri’s departure.
Does Harder actually fit what Farke needs?
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – APRIL 18: Conrad Harder of RB Leipzig celebrates victory with his teammates following the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig at Deutsche Bank Park on April 18, 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
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Bluntly, no. And Leeds quietly dropping interest looks like a sharp call.
Harder cost RB Leipzig €30m from Sporting CP, yet his debut Bundesliga campaign in 2025/26 told a difficult story. Three goals and three assists across 29 league appearances, starting only eight times and clocking under 920 minutes, doesn’t scream ready for top-flight England. The arrival of Martin Demichelis at Red Bull Arena has pushed him further into the margins.
Farke’s Leeds United have ditched the 4-2-3-1 he built his reputation with. What he runs now is far more conservative, often a back five or a structured 4-3-3 that demands the lone striker to link play, hold the ball under pressure, and work within strict positional discipline.
Harder doesn’t do that. His 2025/26 data shows a player built for chaos and transitions. He averaged 4.11 shots per 90 minutes, which tells you he wants to finish moves, not engineer them. A passing accuracy of 70.8% in the Bundesliga is alarming for a system that depends on ball retention from every outfield position.
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He lost possession 55 times last season. That number alone would give Farke a headache. Yes, Harder presses hard, runs channels aggressively, and his long-ball accuracy of 80% puts him in the top 15% of European forwards. Decent attributes. Wrong profile for Leeds United right now.
The aerial numbers also don’t flatter him. At 6’1″, he won just 22 aerial duels all campaign, falling short of the physical dominance Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha already provide. Harder is a project forward built for an expansive counter-attacking side with space to run into, not a lower-table Premier League club playing damage-limitation football.
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