NafisaLeeds United have moved quickly on deadline day to strengthen Daniel Farke’s attacking options, with the Whites now pushing through a deal for one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young wingers.
The Yorkshire club have spent much of the final stages of the transfer window assessing their options in the wide areas, particularly after losing two players who could have provided depth on the flanks.
Willy Gnonto has departed for Fiorentina on loan, while Largie Ramazani has also moved on to Burnley, leaving Farke with fewer options ahead of what promises to be a demanding Premier League campaign.
That situation has forced Leeds into action.
And after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, who is heading to Tottenham, the Whites have turned their attention to Germany in a move that has gathered remarkable pace.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya has emerged as the man Leeds have chosen to pursue.
The 21-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt winger has been on the radar of several clubs, with Hull City previously reaching an agreement with the Bundesliga side before the player rejected a move to the Championship club.
Sunderland had also been monitoring his situation, but Leeds have now stolen a march on their rivals.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the breakthrough, revealing: “Jean Mattéo Bahoya to Leeds United, here we go! Deal agreed with also authorization for medical.”
Romano added that the agreement is structured as a loan initially, but with a mandatory purchase clause attached.
That is where the scale of Leeds’ commitment becomes clear.
The Whites have agreed to a €30million package for Bahoya, with the obligation to buy set to come into effect next summer.
The player has also given the green light to the move, meaning Leeds now have the crucial approval from all sides as they race to complete the necessary formalities.
Bahoya is understood to be undergoing his medical, with German reports stating that the Frenchman has already begun his examinations ahead of completing the switch to Elland Road.
For Leeds, it represents a significant commitment to a player who is still only 21.
The former Angers youngster has built a reputation in Germany for his frightening pace and ability to operate across the attacking line. His acceleration is arguably his biggest weapon, with Bahoya having been recognised as one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga.
That quality could make him an intriguing addition to Farke’s side.
The move also represents an interesting change of direction after Leeds failed to convince Chelsea to send Mudryk to Yorkshire. Rather than allowing the failure to derail their plans, the Whites have immediately found another young attacking option and moved aggressively to get the deal over the line.
There is, of course, an element of risk.
A loan initially protects Leeds from paying the full fee immediately, but the mandatory purchase means the club will be committed to the €30m package next summer regardless of how smoothly Bahoya’s first season in England develops.
Farke will therefore need to get the best out of him.
The German manager has already demonstrated a preference for recruiting players familiar with European football, and Bahoya becomes another example of Leeds looking towards the Bundesliga for solutions.
With the medical now underway and the player having already approved the move, Leeds are closing in on another major deadline-day signing.
And after Gnonto’s departure left Farke needing another attacker, the Whites look to have found their replacement — with a €30m commitment waiting at the end of the loan.
Nafisa
