Leeds United are reportedly considering a move for free agent Cheikhou Kouyaté as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his midfield options following recent injuries to key players.
The Whites are short in the central areas currently. First-choice centre-back Ethan Ampadu has been ruled out of action until January following a knee injury against Coventry before the international break. Ilia Gruev is also out for the foreseeable future – also with a knee complaint.
The losses to these two important players have left Farke with a midfield dilemma. Moreover, the German coach lost vital cover during the summer transfer window. Archie Gray departed for Tottenham, while Glen Kamara was sold to French side Rennes.
Currently, the Whites have central midfield options in loanee Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka. Rothwell has settled in well at Elland Road, featuring in 10 games and starting in the back-to-back draws against Norwich and Sunderland. Tanaka also played in these matches but has had less game time, playing in just six Championship fixtures this season.
Ultimately, Farke is lacking depth and cover in the heart of his midfield, leading to interest in free agent Kouyaté, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. The Senegalese player was released by Nottingham Forest after the 2023/24 Premier League campaign. He has failed to land a contract since, despite boasting nearly 300 top-flight appearances for Forest, Crystal Palace and West Ham.
Another appealing factor for Leeds is the 34-year-old’s versatility in several central areas. Generally deployed as a more defensive midfielder, Kouyaté can play further forward. In addition, he has played over 50 Premier League games as a centre-back, according to Transfermarkt.
However, Farke is seemingly opposed to targeting free agents at this stage of the season. The Yorkshire Evening Post also shared how the Whites’ boss seems cautious about looking at out-of-contract players.
“If I’m really honest, I’m not a big friend of signing players who are out of contract in the beginning of October, because it means more or less they are out of team training since May.”
“That means they are out of team training since whatever, five months. And even if you bring them in, it lasts also a while until they are really ready to go and fully fit and really could play first-team football and then quite often the player who is right now injured for the next few weeks, he’s even back in perhaps and ready to go earlier than the players who are out for since five months.”
“I think quite often it’s a bit like a panic buy or like to pretend to do something anyhow. I think it’s professional to check it, and sometimes out of coincidence or out of a special situation, there could be someone out who really suits the needs in this moment.”
Writer’s View
On paper, Kouyaté looks like an ideal player to come in to bolster Leeds’ midfield. The former Premier League player has an abundance of experience and has the physical qualities to meet the Championship’s physical demands.
However, Farke’s reservations could be true about free agents, especially Kouyaté. The Senegal native has only played five minutes of league football in 2024. He would therefore not be an immediate option for Leeds as he would need time to get up to full fitness. Currently, this move seems unlikely to develop, especially given Farke’s opposition.
