During the international break, Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign veteran midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and now Daniel Farke has responded over the possibility of his arrival.
The possibility of signing a new midfielder outside of the transfer window emerged following long-term injuries sustained by both Ethan Ampadu and then Ilia Gruev, with the latter requiring knee surgery.
It has left Leeds with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell in central midfield, two attack-minded midfielders. The duo are super options but will instinctively want to join the attack, rather than provide a defensive midfield screen.
Leeds need a defensive midfielder to replace the losses of Gruev and Ampadu. Daniel Farke hinted at a possible move for a free agent and during the break, 34-year-old midfielder Kouyate has been linked.
Daniel Farke on whether Leeds will sign Cheikhou Kouyate
The Senegal star remains without a club after being released by Nottingham Forest. The former West Ham man has never played in the Championship, but has played 291 times in the Premier League.
Kouyate was at Thorp Arch last week, and then it was claimed that Farke would make a decision on the signing of Kouyate this week. Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, regarding a move for the midfielder.
Speaking in Wednesday’s press conference, Farke said: “I spoke about signing a free agent. As you know, I will never confirm any names. I won’t speak about players who are not under contract at Leeds.
“I can speak in general, and it is a special and it is a new situation. We are short in numbers, we had a small group anyway but due to the injuries of Ampadu and Gruev and Wober, we have decided to have a deeper look into the free agent market.
“There have been some guests at Thorp Arch in the last few days. But it is important not to speak about names but the profile, we are thin in holding midfield. Ampadu and Gruev are not available.
“We are short at centre-back with Wober out, he is ahead of schedule but we have to keep in mind that Pascal Struijk spent time out. Joe Rodon is on four yellow cards. It would be ideal to bring someone in.
“Someone who can play in both positions, who has experience but knows he would be back-up when Ampadu is back. One to improve the young players, to teach and educate them,” Farke continued.
“We need a player with experience and the mentality not to crack under the pressure of playing for Leeds. We have a few ideas, I’m carefully optimistic about bringing in a player in the next few days of weeks.”
Reports explain why Cheikhou Kouyate will not be joining Leeds
According to a report from Give Me Sport, Kouyate has failed a medical at Elland Road and will not be joining the Yorkshire side due to an injury that is expected to keep the former Forest man out for a while.
Other free agents available that Leeds may consider:
- Muhamed Besic
- Christopher Kramer (linked with Leeds, Kramer previously worked under Farke)
- Francis Coquelin
- Jack Price
- Edouard Michut (also previously linked with Leeds)
But for Friday night, Leeds will be forced to use on-loan Rothwell and Tanaka, the latter being in action in Japan on Tuesday against Australia, playing the entire 90 minutes during a 1-1 draw.
Charlie Crew is also an option an will be on the bench on Friday, while there are other options that could play in midfield including Pascal Struijk. Given the length of injuries, new signing still seems likely.
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