NafisaLeeds United have made a stunning late move in the transfer window, with Daniel Farke’s side now closing in on another attacking addition after an eventful final few days at Elland Road.
The Whites had been weighing up their options after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, who is set to join Tottenham Hotspur from Chelsea. With Farke still keen to add more attacking quality before the deadline, attention quickly turned towards Germany.
Leeds had already strengthened their squad significantly this summer, but the need for another wide player became even clearer after Wilfried Gnonto’s impending move to Fiorentina.
The club have now moved decisively for one of the Bundesliga’s highly-rated young attackers.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Leeds have reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for Jean Mattéo Bahoya, with the transfer now at the medical stage.
Romano posted: “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.”
The structure of the agreement is particularly interesting. Bahoya will initially arrive on loan, but the deal contains a mandatory purchase clause, meaning Leeds are effectively committing to a permanent transfer provided the agreed conditions are met.
The overall package is understood to be worth €30 million.
Most importantly, there is now approval from the player himself and Leeds have been given the green light to complete his medical, leaving the final formalities to be concluded.
Bahoya’s move represents a significant statement from Leeds after their failed pursuit of Mudryk.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has developed a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s exciting young attacking players since leaving Angers for Frankfurt. Primarily operating from the left, Bahoya is capable of cutting inside onto his stronger foot but can also operate in different attacking roles.
His pace, direct running and ability to carry the ball forward make him an intriguing addition for Farke, particularly with Leeds looking to maintain the positive momentum they have generated at the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.
Interestingly, Bahoya had already been at the centre of late transfer drama before Leeds entered the picture.
Hull City had reached an agreement with Frankfurt for his transfer, but the player rejected the proposed move to the Championship side, leaving his future uncertain with the transfer deadline approaching.
Sunderland had also been monitoring the situation.
Leeds have now won the race.
The timing could hardly be more dramatic.
Farke had made it clear that he would remain alert for opportunities in the final stages of the window, particularly after injuries and squad depth issues exposed areas that still required attention.
The arrival of Bahoya should help address the attacking numbers, while also providing Farke with another young player capable of developing into an important Premier League asset.
It is also another example of Leeds looking beyond the obvious names in the market.
The club pushed hard for Mudryk, but when Tottenham moved ahead of them, they quickly switched focus rather than allowing the disappointment to derail their deadline-day plans.
Bahoya now appears to be the answer.
The €30m package makes this far more than a short-term gamble, too. Leeds are committing to the player with a mandatory purchase structure, suggesting the club see genuine long-term potential in the French attacker.
With the player’s approval secured and medical authorisation granted, the deal is now firmly on the final stretch.
After beating Coventry City to Melvin Bard and adding further quality throughout the summer, Leeds look set to finish the window with another eye-catching piece of business.
And this time, there is no waiting around for an agreement to emerge.
Romano’s “here we go” means Leeds have their man.
Nafisa
