Habib Diarra ‘set for immediate Leeds United exit’ after latest transfer news
Leeds United are keen on signing Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra this summer.
Amid links to Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic, it is evident that Leeds United‘s priority buy this summer will be a new striker, though Daniel Farke will be just as keen on bolstering his squad in other areas.
With Joe Gomez linked as a defensive reinforcement, and several other areas to improve, it is crucial that the Whites don’t make any errors in judgment when it comes to recruitment.
Ligue 1 midfielder Diarra has been linked with a move to Elland Road, and it would be a huge risk if they were to pursue a deal.
AFCON could disrupt Leeds survival hopes
Now, assuming Leeds can seal a deal to sign Diarra, it would be a huge statement of intent on their behalf, but also a massive risk.
Having already picked up 11 caps for Senegal, the likelihood is that Diarra would be set to leave Leeds in December to jet off for international duty.
| Strasbourg | Games | Pass accuracy | Goal contributions |
| Diarra | 30 | 86.5% | 9 |
Of course, Senegal will be one of the favourites to go all the way in AFCON, meaning the Whites would be without him for some time.
Especially if he proves to be Leeds’ marquee midfield signing, his lengthy absence could prove costly for the Whites in their bid to avoid the drop, which all six of the last promoted teams have succumbed to.
Farke needs strength in depth for Premier League football
First and foremost, Leeds need to ensure that their starting 11 is good enough to compete in the top flight of English football before any depth considerations are made.
However, the ability to rotate and replace will be just as important to their hopes of breaking the trend of newly promoted sides, and if Diarra is to sign, it is crucial that Daniel Farke has someone to replace him throughout the winter.
More transfer activity will be expected at Elland Road in the coming weeks, with pre-season edging even closer.
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