Leeds United are ‘monitoring’ two first-team additions ahead of the January transfer window, including a midfield target likened to Sergio Busquets.
Falke ‘very, very happy’ with Leeds’ impressive win
Los Blancos grabbed three crucial points in the Premier League on Friday night, taking an early lead and winning 2-0 at home to West Ham. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was pleased with the form he saw from his team at Elland Road, as their encouraging start to their return to the top flight continues.
“We started very aggressively, very bravely, with passion. We wanted to win this game. We were very spirited and deserved a 2-0 lead. But there, we felt like we were a little too rough on the ball and on the ball at times. I think there were games during the season where we had much better structure, better control and more possession.”
“But that was just because. For us, it was just this difficult week of training. Yes, I think in the second half we started to get a lot better in terms of control and organization on the ball. We had very good control, but we missed a little bit to score the third goal, but the last 20 minutes made us realize again how difficult a week we had.”
“Of course this time it’s tense in the last four minutes until you cross the line, but the prize is still three points. It’s like you always have to work to get the momentum back. “That’s what we did today and we’re very happy.”
Los Blancos appear to be in a comfortable, if not completely safe, position in January, allowing the 49ers and Falke to plan ahead with two long-term additions to the team in mind.
Leeds are targeting two signings, including a Europa League midfielder.
talk to football insiderjournalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Leeds are “monitoring” Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issoufou Sissokhou ahead of a potential January move, and are also considering adding an exciting addition to their forward ranks by signing a new winger.
“It’s an interesting connection. I don’t think we actually know much about Sissokho. He has played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. He has also played in Champions League qualifying and in the Europa League. So he has a decent pedigree in Europe.”
“Obviously, as you said, people might be surprised that Leeds are in the market for a midfielder, because I think their midfielders are OK this season. They’ve got[Ethan]Ampadu, and the summer signings of Anton Stack and Sean Longstaff are definitely having a big impact on that midfield.”
“Perhaps Sisokho is an option presented to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He still has 18 months left on his contract. As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping an eye on him, so let’s see if they follow up and solidify their interest.”
Although Sisoho is not a household name to fans, he could be a shrewd addition for Leeds midway through the season.
The 23-year-old has shown his talent on the ball, completing an impressive 96.2% of his passes in the Europa League this season, and has also highlighted his effectiveness in possession, averaging 2.3 tackles per game.
Sisoho has even been compared to Busquets for his reading of the game and the way he leads his team, which is the highest compliment for any midfielder and Leeds should be eyeing him as a good option to sign him.
O’Rourke has suggested that the signing of a winger will also be “key to staying in the Premier League”, given Daniel James has suffered a number of stop-starts so far due to injury.