Leeds United won’t stop at nothing as Daniel Farke is purely focused on keeping the 49ers up this season. Concerns were raised when the Whites lost against the Clarets last week, but Leeds managed to make a comeback.
Going up against West Ham United, Farke’s men made sure that Nuno Espirito Santo wouldn’t land his first win. The Portuguese gaffer hasn’t managed to win a single game for the Hammers.
Brenden Aaronson started the match with a simple placement from a deflection off the goalkeeper. After having missed an almost open net against Burnley, the American international raised the bar to keep his place.
Joe Rodon extended the lead in the 15th minute with a header off the corner. Japanese international Ao Tanaka also made his long-awaited start after recovering from the injury suffered against Arsenal.
Leeds United garner a wide set of midfielders, from Sean Longstaff to Tanaka. However, Farke doesn’t seem satisfied, as reports claim that the Whites are in the market for a new midfielder.
Leeds United transfer plan for January
Issouf Sissokho has extensive European pedigree (Credits: Imago Images)
According to Football Insider, the Yorkshire-based outfit are eyeing Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho. The media outlet’s transfer correspondent, Peter O’Rourke, revealed a few details on the last edition of the Inside Track Podcast.
“It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that we know about Sissokho, really. He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv.”
“He’s played in Champions League qualifiers, the Europa League as well. So he’s got a decent European pedigree. I think obviously, like you’ve said, maybe people are surprised that Leeds are in the market for midfielders because I think their midfielders have been okay this season.”
“They’ve got Ampadu in there, and summer signing Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, who have definitely made a big impact in that midfield.”
“Maybe Sissokho is an option that’s come up to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He’s got 18 months left on his contract. As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping tabs on him. So let’s see if they follow up and firm up their interest.”
Who is Issouf Sissokho?
Much less is known about Sissokho on the mainstream European football scene. Born in Mali, the midfielder played for Bordeaux before making the move to Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv.
He is a Malian youth international but has never won any caps for the senior team. However, Sissokho does have extensive European experience under his belt.
The 23-year-old has regularly appeared in the Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League. One statistic that stands out from the 2024/25 Europa League is that the midfielder ranked in the 98th percentile for pass completion among his peers.
