Daniel Farke to make imminent final call on Cheikhou Kouyate transfer at Leeds United
Leeds United will decide in the next 24 to 48 hours if they are going to sign Cheikhou Kouyate on a free transfer, according to TEAMtalk.
The online outlet reported on 14 October that Daniel Farke will have the final say over whether or not the 34-year-old midfielder signs a short-team deal at Elland Road in the wake of several long-term injuries.
Senegal international Kouyate has reportedly completed medical tests at Thorp Arch, having been present at United’s training ground for the past few days [Adam Pope, 12 October], but the transfer remains in balance.
Sources close to the club told MOT Leeds News that Leeds were strongly considering signing Kouyate in recent days, and it seems that all now rests on Farke giving this move the green light.
Daniel Farke needs Cheikhou Kouyate involved at Leeds United
Having a small, well-drilled squad has so far proven successful for Farke at Elland Road, and worked to a title-winning extent under Marcelo Bielsa between 2018 and 2020 in the Championship.
However, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev’s respective injuries – picked up in respective league matches –have left a yawning gap in central midfield, and massively forced Farke’s hand in terms of options.
Adding Kouyate, despite his age and free-agency status, therefore makes sense, and having stalled on a decision over the international weekend, Farke would be wise to add the veteran midfielder to his squad.
Farke was criticised at times for his lack of rotation last season, but has had no other option but to play Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka in deeper-than-expected roles as United’s only senior midfielders.
Youngster Charlie Crew – yet to make his first-team debut – is the next cab off the rank, and in order for Farke to cover his bases as best he can, adding Kouyate to the squad will prove beneficial.
In other Leeds news, one United star is set for a starting berth on international duty after a high-profile error last time out.
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