There is conflicting information regarding Leeds United’s interest in former Nottingham Forest veteran Cheikhou Kouyaté. Nonetheless, manager Daniel Farke didn’t mention the player by name but updated on whether the Whites would explore the free agent market.
Kouyaté has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest this summer, after spending two years at the club and making 36 appearances. Last season, the 92-cap Senegal international started just twice and came off the bench 10 times, totaling 208 minutes of play as Forest maintained their Premier League status.
With 291 Premier League appearances across stints at West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest, the 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience. He’s also enjoyed success abroad, winning four league titles in Belgium and lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Senegal.
Daniel Farke on Leeds’ midfield crisis
While speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s clash against Sheffield United, Farke noted that they have had guest at their facilities but didn’t mention any names.
“I spoke about signing a free agent,” Farke told reporters (h/t LeedsUnited.News). “As you know, I will never confirm any names. I won’t speak about players who are not under contract at Leeds. I can speak in general, and it is a special and it is a new situation. We are short in numbers, we had a small group anyway but due to the injuries of Ampadu and Gruev and Wober, we have decided to have a deeper look into the free agent market.
“There have been some guests at Thorp Arch in the last few days. But it is important not to speak about names but the profile, we are thin in holding midfield. Ampadu and Gruev are not available. We are short at centre-back with Wober out, he is ahead of schedule but we have to keep in mind that Pascal Struijk spent time out. Joe Rodon is on four yellow cards. It would be ideal to bring someone in.
“Someone who can play in both positions, who has experience but knows he would be back-up when Ampadu is back. One to improve the young players, to teach and educate them. We need a player with experience and the mentality not to crack under the pressure of playing for Leeds. We have a few ideas, I’m carefully optimistic about bringing in a player in the next few days of weeks.”