Leeds United will take on Sheffield United at Elland Road today as the international break ends. Before the break started, The Whites drew away at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland, keeping them fifth in the Championship.
Although The 49ers are still in the promotion zone, they’ll have to fight it out in the playoffs if they fail to finish in the top two. Last season, the Whites finished third, missing second place by six points which led them to battle it out in the playoffs.
A narrow loss to Southampton in the finals meant that Leeds United were staying in the second division for another season. A lot of things changed at the club as important players left with Daniel Farke prompted to rebuild the team.
The German manager is keen on avoiding the playoffs this season but the start hasn’t proved helpful. The Whites can still finish in the top two but it is going to be a long road ahead.
To add to the difficulty, Farke’s two main midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are out in the long haul. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell remain the only experienced options in the locker room.
The Whites were expecting a temporary solution to the gap in the midfield. The 49ers were eyeing former Nottingham Forest midfielder Chiekhou KouyatƩ but the deal fell through as the latter failed to pass the medicals.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing player from these 10 famous Leeds United photos?
Leeds United eye former Arsenal star Francis Coquelin
Francis Coquelin spent the last six seasons in Spain with Valencia and Villareal
With the KouyatƩ deal falling through, Daniel Farke will need to look for potential alternatives in the free agents market. The Senegalese midfielder was so close to signing for The Whites but the medicals rendered the deal fruitless.
The German gaffer has been hesitant on signing players midway through the season but he has no options now. As club football starts again, Farke will be in a hurry to bring reinforcements to Elland Road.
According to The Sun, Leeds United are eyeing a move for former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin. The Whites seem to have found their replacement for KouyatƩ and are ready to offer a short-term contract to the Frenchman.
Having made most of his career appearances for Arsenal, Coquelin is no stranger to English football. The 33-year-old midfielder will bring top-level experience at Elland Road.
The French midfielder failed to find a club after his stint with Villareal. He spent the last six seasons in Spain playing for Valencia and Villareal.
Daniel Farke wants an experienced replacement who can also serve as a mentor to the youngsters at Elland Road. Francis fits the bill and might just be the man for United as they navigate the injury crisis.
If a young player is struggling with the pressure with playing for a club likeĀ Leeds United, to not crack, we need a player who has experience and this mentality. This is what we’re searching for.
-Daniel Farke
