Leeds United to complete signing with Daniel Farke adamant he wants new midfielder
Daniel Farke is “adamant” he wants a new Leeds United midfielder signed to provide cover, says Adam Pope.
The BBC journalist said on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet on 21 October that the German looks certain to add a new name to the squad as a free agent, with Cheikhou Kouyate, Francis Coquelin and Josuha Guilavogui all looked at.
Long-term injury absences for Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu have left the Whites short, despite strong performances in relief from Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka.
MOT Leeds News understands that the club backed out of signing ex-Nottingham Forest man Kouyate after a failed second part of his medical.
Pope said (15m 25s): “Interesting though he was adamant he’s still looking for a [defensive midfielder] in the market, and the latest one was former French international Josuha Guilavogui isn’t it, who was at Mainz.
“So you’ve got Coquelin, you’ve got Kouyate, you’ve got Guilavogui, and he was adamant that he wants it.”
Josuha Guilavogui could sign for Leeds United
The Whites are climbing up the Championship table after an excellent 2-0 win over rivals Sheffield United on 18 October and a 2-2 draw at leaders Sunderland on 4 October which would also have also been a victory if not for Illan Meslier’s all-time blunder in the 97th minute.
Rothwell and Tanaka have adapted to the cover the central midfield very well despite both being more forward-thinking players, with the Japan international hailed for a “perfect” performance against the Blades by Andy Hinchcliffe on Sky Sports.
In that context it might be all the more comfortable for Farke, who is not thought to be a fan of adding late free agents, because they can be eased in.
It is far from perfect to be needing a 30-plus midfielder who hasn’t played a game since May, but if either Rothwell or Tanaka pick up a knock at this point the situation would really be an emergency.
Farke has confirmed that a decision is due imminently, and potentially within a few days, on what the next steps are.
And it sounds like that will not include deciding against adding anyone if he is so clear he wants an extra body in.
One half-fit veteran and an academy youngster such as Charlie Crew might look slightly precarious, but as late relief while the current starters keep up strong form the Whites could probably do a lot worse.
In other Leeds United news, Farke has admitted nerves over another potential “serious injury” for a star player.
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