Leeds United plot ‘surprise’ move to sign midfielder with real pedigree
Leeds United have endured a mixed start to the season so far as they aim to make further progress towards surviving in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side lost 2-0 to Burnley last time out in a major blow to their ambitions with their fellow newly-promoted side gaining ground in the relegation battle.
Leeds now sit 16th in the Premier League with two wins, two draws and four defeats, leading to ongoing concerns about the strengthen of their squad.
As a result, plans are already being put in place for the January transfer window, with a number of key positions being highlighted for improvements.
This comes after Football Insider revealed last month that Leeds want to sign a midfielder and a winger in the mid-season window to strengthen in key areas.
Leeds United set sights on signing Issouf Sissokho
Leeds are believed to be prioritising attacking signings in the mid-season window to improve their chances of staying up by adding firepower to their squad.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Leeds have set their sights on signing Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho and are keeping tabs on his progress ahead of the January transfer window.
While the midfielder is not a household name, he has impressed with his displays in the Champions League qualifiers and Europa League.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that 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 midfielder has been okay this season.
“They’ve got [Ethan] 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.”
Leeds’ current midfield options have impressed this season, but there is a feeling they want to bolster the position, although more likely with an attack-minded option.
Leeds United prioritising striker signing in January
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 21 October that Leeds are prioritising signing a striker amid concerns about their attacking firepower.
Against Burnley, Leeds had no issues creating chances as they racked up 19 shots, created four big chances, and ended the game with 2.63 xG. [via Sofascore]
However, their inability to take those chances has emerged as an ongoing concern at Elland Road, with doubts about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form since he arrived.
With Calvert-Lewin currently representing their main attacking threat, concerns about their form in front of goal are unlikely to fade unless a new signing is made.
Brown warned Football Insider on 16 September that Leeds are in big trouble as a result of their lack of firepower and are at growing risk of being relegated.
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