Who is Leeds target Issouf Sissokho? Unique career path and work permit dilemma
Leeds United have identified Issouf Sissokho as a viable option to strengthen their midfield over the coming months.
Daniel Farke’s side are barely keeping their heads above water after Leeds’ disappointing defeat to Burnley in the Premier League.
This comes after Leeds suffered another defeat to Tottenham before the international break and are now 15th in the league with just eight points.
As a result, Farke is keen to bring in reinforcements this winter and it is understood that Leeds have set their sights on Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Sissokho.
Issouf Sissokho’s club career
The reported Leeds target began his career in his native country Mali, where he trained at local club CFC Daoula before joining the Derby Academie.
His big break came in January 2020 when he transferred to French side Bordeaux initially on loan for their reserve team.
He made his Ligue 1 debut for Bordeaux on 27 February 2021, against FC Metz, before the French team signed him on a permanent transfer, who he remained with until June 2024.
Sissokho then transferred to Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Tel Aviv where he currently plays.
- He wears the shirt number 28 for the Israeli side
- He signed on a free transfer in time for the 2024/25 season
While goals are not his forte, the 23-year-old is an excellent passer of the ball which could come in handy for Farke with early sack predictions already brewing at Leeds.
- Read more: Farke overlooked critical Leeds United flaw in the summer, it will cost them Premier League survival
Will Issouf Sissokho be granted a work permit if signed?
It is difficult to say whether Sissokho will be granted a work permit if Leeds were to sign him.
For a non-UK or non-Irish player to be eligible to play in England, the club must apply for an international Sportsperson Visa which is based on the UK Point Based System (PBS).
Under this framework, a player is given automatic qualification if they have played in specific percentage of matchers for a top-50 ranked national team in the last two years.
As Sissokho has only six caps for the Mali Under-20s and has not yet made his senior debut for the 54th ranked national side, he does not appear to satisfy that criteria.
As a result, Leeds would need to apply for the Elite Significant Contribution route (ESC) on his behalf where lower thresholds or fewer appearances could be considered.
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