Cheikhou Kouyate to Leeds United: O’Rourke reacts to big twist
Leeds United are considering a move to sign Cheikou Kouyate to bolster their midfield options, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that any more injuries in the Leeds midfield will force the club’s hand to enter the free-agent market.
This comes after both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were ruled out until the new year in a huge blow to Leeds’ first-team squad.
O’Rourke insisted that Kouyate would be a “smart” signing for Daniel Farke’s side given his experience in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and West Ham.
The 34-year-old has made 324 appearances across the three English clubs and made 14 appearances for Forest last time out.
He is versatile and able to play in a central midfield role as well as a defensive midfielder or even a centre-back if required – something Farke is known to appreciate.
Kouyate has also picked up 92 caps for Senegal, earning an abundance of international experience and helping his country to win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
Leeds United tipped to land Chiekhou Kouyate signing
Kouyate left Nottingham Forest upon the expiry of his contract at the City Ground at the end of last season, becoming a free agent.
His wealth of experience both in the Premier League and on the international stage would come as a boost to Farke’s side as they hunt for promotion this season.
Having missed out after a defeat in the playoff final last season, anything other than promotion will be deemed a failure – regardless of any injury blows.
As a result, the signing of a free agent to ensure the absence of Ampadu and Gruev isn’t felt too harshly would be a smart move for Farke to take.
Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka would be the current options to replace Leeds’ injured midfield pair, but they may feel they need further depth in the area.
A further blow to either of them would force them either to make a move in the market for a free agent or to promote one of their academy stars into the first-team setup.
The average age of Farke’s starting lineup in the Championship so far this season is just 24.4, boasting one of the youngest squads in the division.
As a result, the addition of an experienced head into the squad could make a key difference in their push for promotion back to the Premier League.
In other news, Leeds are plotting the signing of a new goalkeeper.
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