According to the reports from French media outlet France Football, Leeds United are keen on signing Mehdi Abeid this month. The midfielder currently plies his trade with Dijon FCO in Ligue 1. The 26-year-old has entered the final six months of his contract, and the French outfit could look to sell him so that they don’t lose the Algerian international for free in the summer.
Leeds United haven’t made any addition to the squad apart from signing Kiko Casilla. The Whites squad has been cursed with injuries, and it is a testament to their quality of football that they are still leading the Championship table. However, it would be foolish to assume that they can carry on like this throughout the season and latest results (where they have lost last three of their four Championship games) should have them worried.
Lewis Baker’s loan spell was cut short by Chelsea as he was unable to get game time at the Yorkshire club. Therefore, it is crucial for the club to add midfielders to their squad. The former Newcastle United midfielder Abeid has been one of the lone bright spark for his team Dijon this season as they are fighting for survival.
Abeid can play in different kind of roles in midfield and that is going to be a major plus point. He also has goals to his game and the experience of playing in England earlier with Newcastle should come in handy if the Whites make a move for him. The midfielder played at various youth levels for France but later decided to switch his allegiance to Algeria.
With the current squad being so thin, Bielsa hasn’t really got any replacement for Mateusz Klich or Pablo Hernandez who are currently playing in central areas. An injury to either one of them can derail their campaign and Bielsa should look to do business for this Algerian midfielder.
The Argentine manager has always maintained that he would only make new signings if they add more quality to the squad and Abeid would be a decent addition given his overall experience and form this season. The midfielder also has goals to his game as he scored 14 goals in 73 games for Greek outfit Panathinaikos.
Klich had looked jaded especially during the festive part of the season, and the Polish international has played relentlessly throughout the season and has already made 29 appearances. Given the high-intensity gameplay the Whites play, a midfielder is bound to run out of steam after so many appearances and Abeid could be the one who can bring relief to this squad. With his ability to play in various roles, he should suit Bielsa well.
