Cheikhou Kouyate claim shared as Leeds United eye new free transfer
Cheikhou Kouyate is unlikely to come in and make a big impression at Leeds United, believes Carlton Palmer.
Speaking to Football League World [11 October], Palmer stated that there’s a reason the 34-year-old wasn’t snapped up by a club over the summer.
It’s understood that the former Crystal Palace midfielder is being considered by the Whites but no final decision has been made yet. [Ben Jacobs]
“Given Leeds United’s injury woes, especially in the midfield department, Daniel Farke is looking at players who are out of contract, and one of those players is Cheikhou Kouyate, who was released by Nottingham Forest in the summer.
“He’s still without a club, and it worries me when a player has been released from a football club in the summer and has not been picked up, it is a problem.
“It might work out in a limited period, but Daniel Farke and I both have the same feelings about this, and he expressed his reservations about Leeds signing free agents at this stage of the season.
“I think what Leeds have got to go is try to get through this present moment, hopefully get one or two players back or get to the January transfer window and move to bring some quality players in.
“I don’t think Kouyate is going to come in at 34 years old and make a big impression at Leeds with what they are planning to do for this season.
“As I said, with players who have been released by a football club in the summer and haven’t been snapped up at this period of time, there is a reason for that.”
Leeds United need to sign a player like Cheikhou Kouyate
Given Leeds’ current predicament with long-term injuries to key midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, the team faces a critical shortage in the midfield.
This crisis necessitates immediate reinforcement to maintain competitiveness in the Championship.
While some might question the signing of Kouyate due to his age and lack of a club since leaving Nottingham Forest, his experience in the Premier League and the international stage could provide the requisite stability and leadership that Leeds desperately need.
With limited options available within the free agent market or through loan deals that match the immediate need for a seasoned midfielder, the 34-year-old stands out not just for his availability but for his proven track record in high-pressure scenarios.
Despite reservations about his recent clubless status, his signing represents a pragmatic solution for the Whites to navigate through their injury crisis, ensuring they have a capable body in the midfield to push for promotion.
It remains to be seen whether or not they can successfully get this deal over the line.
In other Leeds United news, club sources have issued an update on the £35m debt claims from Barcelona for Raphinha.
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