Leeds United are now “one to watch” in the race for an “outstanding” Premier League midfielder, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.
Leeds need rebuild to avoid the drop next season
Ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson has made it clear his former club will need to overhaul their squad this summer if they are to avoid an instant return to the Championship next season, saying: “Leeds are going to have to replace players.
“They came out of the Premier League with a similar squad, and players in that squad weren’t good enough. To mention two: Brenden Aaronson and Junior Firpo weren’t good enough for the Premier League.”
Firpo could now be heading for the exit door, with Kostas Tsimikas being identified as a potential replacement for the left-back, while the Whites are also looking at upgrades on Aaronson in attacking midfield, with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia of interest.
Not only is Daniel Farke keen to bring in a new playmaker, the manager is also keen to strengthen in defensive midfield, as revealed by Jacobs in an interview with GiveMeSport, with the reporter stating Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma is now a target.
“He wants to stay in the Premier League. I’m told Leeds are another one to watch. They’re looking to add another midfielder. It will all come down to finances and wages for them too.”
It is unclear what sort of fee Tottenham would be looking to receive for Bissouma, who they signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for £25m back in 2022, but he has been on the north Londoners’ discard list for quite some time, indicating that a deal could be possible.
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Bissouma could be “outstanding” signing for Leeds
The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou, often appearing as a substitute in the latter stages of the season, but his previous exploits in the Premier League indicate that he could be a solid signing for Leeds.
During his time with Brighton & Hove Albion, the Malian was lauded as “outstanding” by Statman Dave, and he has continued to impress defensively in more recent times, with the tough-tackling midfielder outperforming his positional peers across some key metrics over the past year.
|
Bissouma – last 365 days |
Average per 90 |
|
Tackles |
3.09 (91st percentile) |
|
Interceptions |
1.39 (83rd percentile) |
|
Clearances |
2.65 (92nd percentile) |
Ahead of his side’s return to the Premier League, it may also be wise for Farke to bring in players who are proven in the top flight over a sustained period of time, and the Ivory Coast-born midfielder certainly ticks that box, having made 191 Premier League appearances.
It remains to be seen whether Bissouma would be willing to move to a newly-promoted side, fresh off the back of winning the Europa League with Spurs, but the prospect of receiving more game time could be appealing to the central midfielder.
