Han-Noah Massengo rejects Burnley move as Leeds United should push for transfer
Leeds United should make a move to sign Han-Noah Massengo after the midfielder has reportedly rejected a move to Burnley.
French newspaper L’Équipe reported on 24 July that the 22-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Bristol City at the end of last season, has turned down a move to the Premier League side.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay said on 6 July that the Whites had shown an interest in the Frenchman as they look to overhaul their midfield ahead of the upcoming campaign.
It’s clear that Leeds need to strengthen their midfield with the start of the new season looming after a number of players in that area of the field have either left or expressed a desire to leave.
Massengo reportedly rejected the chance to join Burnley as he wants to play regular first-team football and that isn’t something he could be guaranteed with the newly-promoted side.
It does bode well that Vincent Kompany was looking to sign him, though, as the Clarets boss has an eye for promising young players and wouldn’t want to waste any of his budget as he looks to keep his side in the Premier League.
After coming through at Monaco, Massengo broke a record for being the first player born in the 21st century to play in the Champions League in a game against Club Brugge in November 2018.
He then went on to sign for Bristol City for a reported £8million in 2019 and comes with plenty of Championship experience after making 99 appearances for the Robins.
The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Auxerre, where he made 15 appearances and his form earned him a call-up to the France U-21s side.
He is yet to score his first professional goal, but that is largely down to him being a deep-lying midfielder that prefers to do the dirty work in front of the defence.
If the Whites were to take a plunge and sign him, Bristol City would be owed compensation due to him being under the age of 24, but it’s unlikely that would be a hefty transfer fee.
With the season fast approaching and new additions needed in midfield, perhaps Leeds should take a punt on Massengo, who Daniel Farke could mould into an excellent player at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites boss has outlined the area he would most like to strengthen in the transfer window.