Leeds United ‘almost tempted’ Bundesliga ace to join – Hull City of no interest

Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas was a target for Leeds United and Hull City this summer.

WDR report on the 28-year-old today and how the goalkeeper and German club were both tempted by the move to Elland Road.

The outlet explains that Nicolas is now the key man at Gladbach. He recently proved as much with an impressive performance in the 3-0 loss to Leipzig. That scoreline would have been much worse were it not for him.

He was already considered one of the best in the Bundesliga, often outperforming the rest of his teammate in ‘expert ratings’. It was largely due to him that Gladbach boasted the sixth-best defensive record last season and stayed well clear of the relegation battle.

At one point he was even discussed as a potential third-choice goalkeeper for Germany at the World Cup. That never happened, but a big transfer nearly did.

Leeds United offer

WDR report that Leeds United. made a ‘financially lucrative offer’ for him. The goalkeeper considered the move and ‘almost tempted’ Gladbach to let him go.

That deal eventually fell away as Leeds decided to sign James Trafford from Manchester City.

The Leeds offer was serious enough that Gladbach had already lined up a replacement. Ultimately it never happened, but the interest was there. There had also been interest from Newcastle United. 

Hull City rejection

Then came Hull City. The newly promoted side wanted the 28-year-old also and made their bid. But the goalkeeper had no desire to join the Tigers. Again, though, the interest was serious as Gladbach had devised a Plan B in case their star man departed.

Instead, Nicolas ended up staying and has quickly demonstrated why he’s so sought after, even when conceding three goals. He is now likely to demonstrate that again as Gladbach take on Elversberg, who beat Bayer Leverkusen on the opening weekend.

It could have been different though. He could have easily been lining up for Leeds had they not spent big on Trafford instead.