Cheikhou Kouyate is wanted at Leeds United. (Credit: Imago)
Cheikhou Kouyate is wanted at Leeds United. (Credit: Imago)

Leeds United strongly consider out-of-window Kouyate transfer swoop - Sources

Dan Godfrey

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelance writer and broadcaster in various sports.

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Leeds United have a number of free agent targets on their radar as Daniel Farke aims to remedy his Elland Road injury crisis, MOT Leeds News understands.

Cheikhou Kouyate, who left Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, is on Leeds' list and is being strongly considered to plug the midfield void left by the injured Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.

While there has been a claim that the 34-year-old midfielder has undergone a medical with the Whites, MOT Leeds News understands that report to be premature.

Sources close to the Elland Road club have confirmed that Kouyate is prominent on the club's shortlist of targets who are currently available as free agents.

Senegal international Kouyate has been without a club since departing Forest in the summer. He's previously played for West Ham and Crystal Palace and has 291 Premier League appearances to his name.

Leeds United pursuing Cheikhou Kouyate deal

Leeds United recognise action has to be taken following the club's double injury blow.

Daniel Farke currently has just his two new midfield signings, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, at his disposal alongside 18-year-old Charlie Crew, who is yet to make his senior debut for the club.

The club could feel a signing of the ilk of Kouyate would represent a major piece in the puzzle, having made over 600 professional appearances including 291 outings in the Premier League.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke

Farke and his recruitment team are also understood to be monitoring other midfielders in the free agent market, having decided on the safest course of action.

Leeds currently sit fifth in the Championship after nine games, having lost just one but been held to four draws as pressure for promotion becomes non-negotiable.

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