NafisaLeeds United have completed a major late move for an explosive young forward, with the Whites now closing in on a €30million full-package deal to strengthen Daniel Farke’s attacking options.
The Yorkshire club have been working frantically behind the scenes to add another winger before the transfer window closes, particularly after Willy Gnonto’s departure to Fiorentina was agreed.
Leeds had been left frustrated after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, who chose Tottenham instead, but the club have wasted little time turning their attention elsewhere.
And after a dramatic final few days, Farke looks set to get the attacking reinforcement he wanted.
The player in question has emerged rapidly as one of the most exciting young wide forwards in the Bundesliga, with Leeds now having an agreement in place with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the breakthrough, reporting: “Jean Mattéo Bahoya to Leeds United, here we go! Deal agreed with also authorization for medical.
“Loan with mandatory buy clause set at €30m package from Eintracht.
“Green light also from the player, as @Santi_J_FM reported.
“All set for #LUFC.”
That represents a significant commitment from Leeds, despite the initial structure being a loan. The mandatory purchase clause means the Whites are effectively securing a permanent deal for a player they believe can make a major impact at Elland Road.
Bahoya had been attracting interest elsewhere before Leeds made their move. Hull City had previously reached an agreement with Frankfurt for the Frenchman, only for the player to reject the proposed move to the Championship club.
Sunderland had also been monitoring his situation, but Leeds have now seemingly won the race.
The 21-year-old began his development with Angers before making the move to Germany, where his reputation has continued to grow.
His versatility is another reason why Leeds have been attracted to the deal. Bahoya can operate in several attacking positions, although he is particularly dangerous from the left, where he can cut inside and attack defenders with his pace and directness.
For Farke, that could provide another dimension to an attack that has already undergone significant changes this summer.
The timing of the deal is particularly interesting because it comes immediately after Leeds agreed Gnonto’s move to Fiorentina.
Gnonto had fallen down the pecking order under Farke after making only four starts in 25 appearances last season. His situation became even more uncertain after Leeds changed their tactical approach and increasingly moved away from relying on natural wingers.
The Italian is now set to continue his career in Serie A, with Fiorentina taking him on loan and agreeing an option to buy while also covering his full salary.
Leeds therefore needed to make sure they did not leave themselves short in the attacking areas.
Bahoya’s arrival could now solve that problem.
Leeds had already added Harry Wilson this summer, while Daniel James remains an important option and Noah Okafor has provided attacking quality. However, Farke had made it clear that he wanted to remain alert to opportunities before the deadline.
The failure to land Mudryk had threatened to leave Leeds searching for an alternative, but the move for Bahoya has developed incredibly quickly.
The €30million package is also an indication of how highly Leeds rate the youngster. Rather than simply bringing in an experienced player for short-term cover, the Whites are investing heavily in someone they believe can develop into a long-term Premier League asset.
It is another example of Leeds attempting to build a squad capable of establishing itself in the top flight rather than simply surviving.
The club have already enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, taking four points from their opening two Premier League matches and progressing in the EFL Cup.
Farke will now hope Bahoya can add even more pace, unpredictability and attacking threat to a side that has made a positive start.
With the medical now authorised and the player giving the green light, Leeds appear to have moved quickly to get the deal over the line.
What began as a frantic search for a replacement after Gnonto’s departure and the disappointment of missing out on Mudryk could therefore end with Leeds landing one of the Bundesliga’s most intriguing young attacking talents.
The €30million commitment shows just how seriously the Whites are taking the opportunity.
Nafisa
