'No brainer' - Leeds United fans agree on Cheikhou Kouyaté transfer verdict as free agent 'considered'

Leeds United are weighing up a possible free transfer to solve their midfield injury crisis and one name has caught the eye of supporters.

The YEP reported on Thursday that Cheikhou Kouyaté is among a small group of free agents being ‘considered’ by Leeds, who will be without Ethan Ampadu until the new year and Ilia Gruev until possibly March after both suffered serious knee injuries within days of each other. Daniel Farke said he was not a fan of signing players without a club at this point in the season but admitted all options will be assessed, given the length of absence for his two defensive midfielders.

Kouyaté was released by Nottingham Forest in June after registering just 208 Premier League minutes at the City Ground last season, with the speed at which he could get up to match fitness an obvious concern. But the 34-year-old has almost 500 top-flight appearances across England and Belgium, along with vast international experience, and can operate in two of Leeds’ current problem areas - defensive midfield and centre-back.

There has been no suggestion of Kouyaté, or any other free agents, training with Leeds this week but the Senegal international presents a viable option to fill the gap left by Ampadu and Gruev, so long as he can prove fit enough for Farke. No free transfer would be without risk but supporters seem to be leaning towards signing the midfielder, sharing their thoughts on social media.

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@Stephen_LUFC wrote: “I wasn't aware Kouyaté was a free agent, but getting someone like him in for the rest of the season would be a no brainer for me.”

@WhiteKnightLUFC wrote: “Kouyaté would give us a vast wealth of experience. Even if it’s only from the bench. Cover for CB and CM. Rodon is on 4 yellow cards and would only leave us with Debayo and no real cover.”

While @MrPMHarrison pointed out that another injury could spell disaster: “They really should get someone. It would be too big a gamble not to; we're one more midfield injury away from Charlie Crew being first choice every week until after Xmas.”

@Cheeta_13 wrote: “Kouyaté (if his legs are still intact) is the exact profile we needed after losing both Ampadu and Gruev....will add some much needed height to the team too, much more comfortable with him in the squad against teams that try to spam long balls and try to play for second balls.”

@JackLUFC1919 wrote: “Kouyaté was the free agent I was most drawn towards because I think he's the one that could resolve oop [out of possession] issues the best, but only if he's still got the legs and athleticism he had a few years ago. If he can get back to that with some match sharpness and training, I'm all for it.”

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will decide to bring someone in, with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell filling the gap during last week’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland. Farke can also call on academy prospect Charlie Crew, while Pascal Struijk or Isaac Schmidt might also be able to fill in if needed.