According to Le10Sport, Leeds United have expressed interest in Samuel Yohou. The Paris FC defender is expected to leave the club in the summer, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season. However, the Whites could face stiff competition from Coventry City as well as Italian club Crotone.
Who is Samuel Yohou?
A product of the Paris FC youth academy, Yohou is a late bloomer, having received his promotion to the senior side in 2015, at the age of 23. And it wasn’t until the 2017/18 campaign that the defender made his breakthrough in the first-team. Since then, he has become a key component in the Paris FC backline, making 76 competitive appearances for the club.
A centre-back by trade, Yohou is primarily known for his physical attributes. Standing at 1.90m, the Frenchman has an imposing figure that makes him an intimidating presence for the opposing attackers. It also helps him assert his dominance in the air while making him a threat from set-pieces.
However, what makes Yohou such a sought-after defender is his remarkable marking. He is always aware of his marker’s runs in behind the backline, which is a priceless asset for any modern-day centre-back. Also, the 28-year-old is a no-nonsense defender, meaning he often looks to clear out loose balls instead of trying to play it out from the back.
Why Leeds United must sign Yohou
Yohou is an ideal target for Leeds United for multiple reasons. Especially from a tactical perspective, the Frenchman could thrive under Marcelo Bielsa’s rigid defensive tactics that emphasise on denying the opposition any sort of space to work with. His imposing presence at the back should add more solidity to the Leeds United backline that have already impressed the onlookers this campaign.
Not to forget, Yohou’s physical and aerial dominance means he is a tailor-made fit for the physically astute and fast-paced nature of Premier League football. That means the Paris FC defender is unlikely to have any difficulties settling into Leeds United.
It is also fair to consider the fact that the club’s defensive unit faces an uncertain future. Gaetano Berardi’s contract expires at the end of the campaign. At the same time, it is unsure whether or not the club will be able to permanently secure the services of Ben White, thus accentuating the need for a new defender.
Yohou, in that regard, should be useful. Even if White signs for Leeds permanently, the Frenchman’s presence in the side will give him and Liam Cooper an incentive to fight for their place in the starting lineup. And with the player being available for free, Leeds United must do everything they can to get their hands on Yohou this summer.
