With the FIFA international break over, club football is back, as are the worries over Leeds’ midfield injury crisis. While the return of Ao Tanaka without injury is a relief, the issue of squad depth remains a significant concern.
Several reports have linked former Nottingham Forest veteran Cheikhou Kouyaté, but there’s conflicting information about whether a deal will be reached between the two sides.
Nonetheless, Football Insider reported on Wednesday that the Yorkshire side have pulled the plug on a potential deal to sign Kouyaté after he failed his medical at the club.
Football Insider also reported that Leeds are set to welcome an unnamed German footballer for a trial this week. Now that the potential deal to sign Kouyate is over, Leeds must return to the free-agent market to assess other options.
The report doesn’t reveal the player name that will be arriving, but the only German linked to Leeds is former Borussia Mönchengladbach standout Christoph Kramer. However, it doesn’t appear as though the German will be reuniting with his former coach.
What’s next for Leeds and their midfield search?
Leeds manager Daniel Farke has confirmed that the Whites will decide within the next two weeks whether to sign a free agent.
“It won’t last more weeks,” Farke told reporters (h/t MOT Leeds News). “It will not be end of November. It would be quickly, if at all. Perhaps candidates are already working on their fitness level behind closed doors. We do our homework. It will just be there when a deal would make sense.
“We spoke about October challenges. It’s a unique case for us. We don’t have to be too strict. Due to the injuries, we have to be professional and check it. We don’t need just a good footballer, we need to know that the player is convinced of their challenge and role here.
It has to be a sensitive deal. We cannot spend a fortune on such a deal. A few boxes have to be ticked. We’re Not too far from a decision. We want to lead this club in a sustainable way. In the next two weeks or not at all.”
