Leeds United were claimed this week to have a verbal agreement in place to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho, but it’s not going to happen.
As we head into more crucial Premier League fixtures, the bottom end of the table is becoming much more defined.
Daniel Farke, should he stay in the job for long enough, will have one eye on January and any transfers the recruitment team are planning.
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Leeds United reportedly make “verbal agreement” for Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho
A report from Africa Foot this week has claimed that Leeds have their eye on Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho.
The 23-year-old Mali youth international has supposedly impressed during Maccabi’s qualification for the Europa League, as they face Aston Villa this week.
Issouf Sissokho has been ‘linked’ with Leeds United this week. (REUTERS/Zorana Jevtic)
It is said that negotiations are to progress soon with a “verbal agreement” possible in the near future ahead of January. Sissokho is currently contracted until 2027 with the Israeli club.
Revealed: Why Leeds United won’t be signing Issouf Sissokho this January
A January signing or two is simply vital for Leeds. But would Sissokho actually be someone of interest for Leeds?
No. Probably not.
Daniel Farke has already said he doesn’t need any more midfielders. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
Leeds’ investment so far has been concentrated on top-flight talent playing in ‘elite’ European leagues, plus James Justin from the Championship. There’s been no indication United will pursue signings from more ‘left field’ sources during this crucial period. Leeds need their signings to hit the ground running to stay in the Premier League.
Add to that what Farke said about Leeds’ investment back in July:
“I don’t want to speak too much about various positions right now,” he told the YEP. “So for me, it’s important that the core bones of the group are there right now. So that means the central defence, also the central midfield is more or less sorted.”
What positions should Leeds United look at in January
Looking more towards what positions Leeds have to focus on in January, one is abundantly clear.
Leeds need a new right-winger in the January window, and that was obvious in August with attempts coming up short. Facundo Buonanotte, Emi Buendia, and Harry Wilson were three of note that United tried and failed to sign.
Harry Wilson was Leeds United’s deadline day attempt, and he stayed put at Fulham. (REUTERS/Ian Walton)
Someone to shoulder the creative burden in those areas is going to be make-or-break for Leeds staying in the division.
Beyond that, it’s hard to say which positions would require a new signing. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s xG underperformance looks like something we might just have to live with, unless (for example) Joel Piroe leaves and opens up a striker spot.
Away from that, full-back depth looks okay, centre-back options are strong, and we’ve already addressed the midfield and goalkeeper positions.
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