According to the latest report by Bristol Post, Leeds United are set to miss out on the services of Morocco international Mimoun Mahi as the winger is close to moving to Swiss outfit FC Zurich. Reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post in January claimed that the winger was on the list of players who Director of Football Victor Orta had drawn to bring to Elland Road.
The winger had a buyout clause of £2m according to the Sun. However, we all know that the Whites instead decided to go for Swansea City’s Daniel James last month. The move collapsed (Leeds Live) at the last moment even though the Welsh winger had completed his medical with the West Yorkshire club.
Mahi is enjoying a productive campaign in the Dutch Eredivisie with FC Groningen as he has managed five goals and five assists in 16 games this season. Groningen is currently sitting on the 12th spot of the league table. Given the lack of depth in United’s squad, he would have been a handy addition last month, and he might have even come in cheaper than United’s actual target Daniel James.
However, Bielsa was an admirer of the Welsh winger, so it was clear that the club wanted to have him instead. Now Mahi is close to moving to Zurich and Leeds are likely going to end up with none of their targets.
Given the current situation at the club, Bielsa could do with a new winger. Jack Harrison has been below par with his displays from the wide areas, and he is only getting into the team because the manager doesn’t have any other options available at his disposal. Ezgjan Alioski, who is also a winger by trade, has been filling in the fullback position since Barry Douglas’ injury issues.
Mahi’s top attribute is his strength on the ball as the winger is tough to dispossess when he is on it. He shows decent pace and trickery as well. Going by his numbers this season, it also seems like he can provide killer passes and can finish off a move in the final third.
We believe this isn’t a big blow for the Whites as Mahi was not a proven player in English football. With Leeds vying to get promoted to the Premier League next season, the club would want to get someone who can even perform in the English top flight. Maybe Bielsa will find better quality in the summer if he can manage to secure a place in the top division.
