Several reports suggest that former Nottingham Forest veteran Cheikhou Kouyaté could join Leeds as they look to strengthen their midfield, which has been hit by injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
On Friday, journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Leeds are exploring the possibility of signing Kouyaté on a free transfer. Despite reports that he has undergone a medical exam, the deal is not yet finalized.
Then on Saturday, Leeds Live, citing sources, confirmed that no agreement has been reached, and the negotiations for Kouyaté are not at an advanced stage.
Leeds are looking to strengthen their midfield depth after losing Ampadu for the rest of 2024 due to a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury, which, though serious, is not as severe as an ACL tear. Gruev is also facing a lengthy absence, as he requires surgery for a meniscus injury, leaving him sidelined for months.
Have Leeds pulled the plug on Cheikhou Kouyaté?
Football Insider reported on Sunday, citing sources, Leeds have pulled out of a deal to sign Cheikhou Kouyaté. The club had been in discussions with the former Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and West Ham midfielder’s camp, but they no longer plan to continue talks.
While Kouyaté’s experience had attracted the Leeds hierarchy’s interest, they have now decided not to pursue the move. At one point, Kouyate seemed likely to join Leeds after initial talks between both sides, but the discussions didn’t progress as anticipated.
Former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer will be happy with this report as he recently suggested the club hold off on signing the 34-year-old and wait until January to bring in a replacement.
“[Kouyate] is still without a club, and it worries me when a player has been released from a football club in the summer and has not been picked up, it is a problem,” Palmer told Football League World.
“It might work out in a limited period, but Daniel Farke and I both have the same feelings about this, and he expressed his reservations about Leeds signing free agents at this stage of the season.
“I think what Leeds have got to go is trying to get through this present moment, hopefully, get one or two players back or get to the January transfer window and move to bring some quality players in. I don’t think Kouyate is going to come in at 34 years old and make a big impression at Leeds…”
