Leeds have reportedly brought in Francis Coquelin for a trial to see if the experienced midfielder could help solve their current midfield issues.
Speaking with GIVEMESPORT on Thursday, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Coquelin is keen to make Elland Road his new home.
“I can also confirm The Sun’s story that Francis Coquelin has now been invited to train at Leeds,” Jacobs told the outlet. “Player open to the move.”
Manager Daniel Farke confirmed the club is looking at free-agent options following injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. Leeds have also been linked to former Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté.
With only Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell as their senior midfielders, Leeds now face a decision: bring in reinforcements or rely on their current squad and youth players until the January transfer window.
Is nothing imminent coming for Francis Coquelin?
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has shared there’s “nothing imminent” on Leeds signing a free agent. As a result, many have to wonder whether the veteran midfielder could secure a short-term contract to help the Whites with their promotion push this season.
“There was nothing imminent last night when we spoke to the club,” Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road Podcast. “I know there’s a national newspaper report about Coquelin being invited in but that’s not our understanding of the situation.
“It’s just a wait and see and obviously there’s the no small matter of Sheffield United at Elland Road on Friday night for Farke so I expect that it’ll run for a few more days at least but we do know there’s an end point to all of this and if we reach that without an arrival, then there won’t be one.”
During his time at Arsenal, the midfielder secured two FA Cups and two Community Shields. He also won the UEFA Europa League with Villarreal in 2021 and the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2019. This signing would add valuable title-winning experience to the group.
The next few days should be interesting to watch to see if Leeds signs a free agent or decides against adding another player for depth.
