Leeds United have faced a slight slump in form and many are attributing it to their lack of depth in squad and injuries. Marcelo Bielsa though has been adamant that he only wants those players to come in who are better than the options he already has at his disposal. According to this report from the Express, Leeds United are set to target three players from Fulham. Reports indicate that Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano have been given the green light to leave the club and the Yorkshire outfit are interested in bringing them to Elland Road.
With just a few days remaining in the transfer window, it seems unlikely that the Whites would be able to pull off a deal for all three players. However, we can try to analyse what each player can bring to the table if United can indeed land them.
Stefan Johansen
The Norwegian international is an experienced midfielder who has won three Premiership titles with Celtic. The 28-year-old is a versatile midfielder as he can play in various roles. In 81 Championship outings, Johansen has 19 goals and 16 assists to his name, so that showcases his effectiveness in the final third.
After the departure of Samuel Saiz, Bielsa is deploying Pablo Hernandez in central areas to partner with Mateusz Klich. Johansen’s signing would bring the club a much-needed option in midfield, and his versatility and creativeness can be a real difference maker for the Whites. To go with his footballing abilities, Johansen is also a leader as he is the captain of the Norway national team.
Floyd Ayite
The 30-year-old Togo international is a winger, and that is another one of the areas where the Whites need strengthening. The left winger has managed just seven appearances in the Premier League this season playing less than 160 minutes of football in the English top flight. It is no surprise that Fulham wants to let him go as he is in the final six months of his contract.
Ayite has a decent record in the Championship with the Cottagers as he has 13 goals and ten assists to his name in 59 appearances. However, he is on a downward trajectory, and we are unsure whether this pacy winger would be seen as an upgrade by Bielsa.
Neeskens Kebano
Like Ayite, Kebano is also in the final 6 months of his contract and after the summer spending spree by the Cottagers, the attacking midfielder has fallen down the pecking order. Kebano is another one of the players whom United can do with as they are yet to replace Samuel Saiz after the Spaniard left the club. The Congolese international can play in various positions all across the pitch, and that is something which might attract Bielsa to the 26-year-old.
