The final days of the transfer window were very hectic for Leeds United. And it showed as there were very huge surprises when it came to deals that were completed.
Fiorentina made a surprise approach for Wilfried Gnonto before the deadline.
The move then became a proposal for a loan deal, which Leeds gave the green light for the player to go and complete. Melvin Bard arrived in a deal that surprised many at Elland Road.
The French fullback came in under the radar, but it was later revealed that there was a reason for that.
Joe Rodon’s injury forced the club to get depth on the left hand side of the defence, to allow James Justin to play more as a centre to provide key cover in the backline.
Leeds United plans for youngster have been made clear
Jean-Matteo Bahoya. Credit: IMAGO
Bard was not the only French player that arrived at Elland Road on deadline day.
Leeds United announced the signing of Jean-Matteo Bahoya on a season-long loan from Frankfurt. Not much was known about the 21-year old, but he was a highly-rated prospect in Germany.
Leeds managing director Robbie Evans has laid out the plan that the club have for the young forward.
He mentioned to The Athletic that Daniel Farke will have to develop the Frenchman, who the club view as a ‘long-term’ solution.
”…the key thing for us is we are looking at him as a player who can be a long-term solution in the Premier League. Daniel’s goal is to train him every day like he’s part of the squad for the long-term, give him opportunities, (and) develop the talent.”
”If things all go right, he’ll be a player you want to have in the building, whether it’s via his obligation being triggered or whether it’s just taking the option.”
READ MORE: Revealed: Leeds chiefs were aware first team star wanted to leave Elland Road last year
Signing Jean-Matteo Bahoya is a solid move by the club
Many were confused as to why Leeds would sign a relatively untested player in Bahoya, but now the club have stated why they did that.
It is clear that the 49ers have huge belief in the youngster, who will become part of the team for years to come. Leeds are quickly developing a reputation for ‘gambling’ on attacking talent.
They got Dominic Calvert-Lewina and Lukas Nmecha for free last summer, and both signings were successes.
Noah Okafor was a slow starter, but he eventually justified the huge outlay. And it looks like Jean-Matteo Bahoya is next on that list; if Daniel Farke manages him well, the club may have another star on their hands.
