According to reports in the Turkish media, Leeds United are continually keeping track of Kasimpasa’s 26-year-old Mbaye Diagne. United were interested in him in the summer but the move failed to materialise as Diagne’s work permit was an issue. However, now the Senegalese is eligible to apply for an Italian passport, and so, United could have a smoother process in January.
Some sources suggest that United scouts were once again present in attendance to see Kasimpasa who took on Goztepe last week where Diagne’s side ran out 3-1 winners. The striker wasn’t on the scoresheet in that game, but his form in the Turkish division has taken everyone by surprise.
Since moving to the club in January from Chinese outfit Tianjin Teda, Diagne has managed to find the back of the net 20 times in 25 games and has assisted thrice. Such performances have made Kasimpasa emerge as surprise title contenders as they currently sit three points behind league leaders Galatasaray.
Earlier reports suggested that Kasimpasa were set to demand £3.6m in the summer for their striker but his performance of late has been eye-catching and one shouldn’t be surprised if the striker fetched more money in the transfer market in January.
Recently reports came out that Bielsa is looking to sign a striker in January especially after his team has struggled off late in the absence of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford. There is a good chance that striker could be Diagne who has continuously been linked with a move to Elland Road. However, now that the striker’s performance has taken everyone by storm, Galatasaray have also shown an interest in him, and this could turn out to be bad news for the English club.
Diagne is a traditional target man and he holds up play well. The forward is a strong runner with the ball and has excellent instincts in and around the penalty box.
He is the kind of striker United currently lacks at the moment as United have fast-paced swift forwards who like to run in between the defence line and play off shoulders of the defenders. Someone like Diagne can be a plan B for the gaffer when things don’t work out his team’s way, and we believe the Senegalese would be a handy man to have in the squad.
It would be interesting to see though whether the forward would be able to play in a Bielsa system where the striker is required to work extremely hard and press from the top. On paper, at least, this looks like a sound move especially because of the goalscoring form which the striker is currently going through.
