Back in the summer, Leeds United added Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell in the middle of the park with central midfield a key area that required strengthening before the 2024-25 campaign.
Leeds had lost Archie Gray and Glen Kamara to Tottenham and Rennes. It meant Leeds had to bring in some new midfielders and they added Rothwell on loan, before signing favourite Tanaka on deadline day.
Rothwell and Tanaka have played key roles with Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu both suffering long-term injuries this season. Leeds have also brought in Josuha Guilavogui on a deal until the end of the season.
But there might have been a new face among the Leeds ranks. Malian midfielder Mamadou Maiga gave an interview to AfricaFoot.com this week and claims Leeds had shown interest in signing him in 2024.
Mamadou Maiga reveals Leeds United approach before injury
Joining Russian Premier League side Pari Nizhny Novgorod in the summer of 2022, Mali ace Maiga had played 54 times before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April 2024 against Orenburg.
The 29-year-old has been on the sideline since then, but is closing on a return to action. Speaking to AfricaFoot.com, Maiga claims he had interest from Israeli and Russian clubs while Leeds approached him.
“Israeli clubs like Maccabi Haifa, but also Russian clubs, including Dinamo and Lokomotiv Moscow, have shown interest. In England, Leeds United have also approached me, as well as other teams,” Maiga said.
What Mamadou Maiga has said about his future ahead of return
The midfielder is yet to play a single game this season but is nearing a return to full fitness, and he also discussed his future as he approaches three years on the books with the Russian Premier League side.
He said: “I had received good offers and planned to discuss them with my club at the end of the season, but fate decided otherwise. I remain in contact with agents and recruiters interested in my profile.”
Whether Leeds will go back in for Maiga is unclear. Rothwell is only on loan and Guilavogui’s deal ends in the summer, meaning Leeds will need a central midfielder – but Maiga will turn 30 in February.
The chances are, Leeds could be in the Premier League and they will attract a higher calibre of player. Realistically, any chance of joining Leeds is over unfortunately, due to the Malian’s long-term injury.
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