News

Corberan made big push to sign £5m Leeds player on loan for West Brom in January

Add as preferred source on Google

Carlos Corberan was keen to sign Darko Gyabi during the January transfer window, with West Bromwich Albion making one of the strongest loan bids for the Leeds United midfielder.

That is according to a report from The Athletic, which suggests that Sheffield Wednesday also had their eye on the youngster during the winter window.

Uruguay v England : Group E -  FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023
Photo by Marcos Brindicci – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Darko Gyabi is certainly one Leeds player who may benefit from the club being relegated from the Premier League. As reported by The Athletic, Marc Roca is expected to leave Elland Road. And Tyler Adams could yet follow him. There remains a question meanwhile, over what the future holds for Adam Forshaw.

West Brom made big push to loan Gyabi in January

That may present Gyabi with an opportunity to impress. Certainly, he is going to be one of the players to keep an eye on during Daniel Farke’s first pre-season at the helm.

Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion - Sky Bet Championship
Copyright 2023 West Bromwich Albion FC

It was potentially a frustrating first year at Leeds for Gyabi following his £5 million move. He was rarely completely out of the picture despite barely playing for the first-team. And that was partially down to the lack of depth in the middle of the park.

That may also explain why Leeds had no interest in letting him seal a temporary move in January. The Athletic reports that both West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday made strong bids to take Gyabi on loan in the previous window.

Of course, a move to the Hawthorns would have seen Gyabi work with Corberan.

In hindsight, that could have arguably been a beneficial move for the 19-year-old. Not only would it have prepared him a little for the Championship, but Corberan is a coach the Leeds hierarchy obviously trust.

However, Leeds could have hardly let another midfielder leave in January. It had already been a major error to leave that position so weak in terms of numbers. And another departure would not have gone down well.

But that is in the past now. And Gyabi has an opportunity to prove that he can be a big part of Leeds’ immediate future.