Leeds United are now close to finding an agreement for Bayer Leverkusen’s Nadiem Amiri, despite reports emerging earlier today that he had turned down an approach from the West Yorkshire club in favour for a move to Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille.
The Whites have – arguably – lacked a creative attacking midfielder since the departure of club legend Pablo Hernandez in the summer of 2021. This is despite bringing in players such as Brenden Aarsonson, signed from Red Bull Salzburg the following summer, to ostensibly fill the void left by the Spaniard’s absence.
And with several of Leeds’ midfield figures leaving this transfer window, including Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Aaronson and Adam Forshaw – the Whites’current lack of midfield depth is concerning.
Whilst new signing Ethan Ampadu and 17-year-old Archie Gray have so far impressed in the deep-lying defensive role this season, Leeds often struggle with putting together a clinical final ball which would assist in creating more clear-cut goalscoring opportunities for the side. The type of passes which Hernandez – lovingly dubbed ‘El Mago’ by the Elland Road faithful for his feats of footballing wizardry on the pitch – could previously provide.
News of Leeds’ interest in Amiri first emerged on Wednesday evening, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reporting that Leeds were offering a four year deal to the German international, with it being up to Amiri himself to decide on his own future.
The move then appeared to be off amid reports on Thursday that the 26-year-old had turned down an approach from Leeds in favour of a move to Marseille.
Now, in a shocking turnaround revealed by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, the Whites once again appear close to securing a deal for Amiri, an attacking midfielder who has the potential to finally provide the West Yorkshire club with a suitable Hernandez replacement.
ℹ️ Turnaround! Nadiem #Amiri had rejected the possibility to join @LUFC as he wanted to join Marseille as reported. Leeds was informed about that decision. But: Leverkusen & Marseille haven’t found an agreement.
➡️ Instead, Bayer 04 & Leeds are close to find an agreement now… pic.twitter.com/cwULDJAWze
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 24, 2023
The fee itself is believed to be in the region of €5-6m plus add-ons, with Amiri “very open” to the move with Daniel Farke keen on seeing the German midfielder join his ranks.
The development comes shortly after a medical was agreed for long-standing transfer target Joel Piroe, a talented striker who would significantly increase Leeds’ goalscoring threat.
With just over a week left until the transfer window slams shut and Leeds still requiring a number of signings to strengthen a threadbare squad, Whites supporters can expect a hectic 8 days ahead.
The Whites travel to table-topping Ipswich Town this weekend, with Farke’s side still seeking their first league victory of the season.
