Leeds United have found themselves in a bit of a pickle due to the recent injuries some of their players have sustained.
Over the last couple of weeks, the Whites have lost Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, which has left them light in midfield.
This has led to questions about whether Leeds have enough depth to last them until January and has even resulted in them being linked with a move for free agent Cheikhou Kouyate [Graeme Bailey, 14 October].
On paper, this might seem like a move that makes sense but realistically by the time January comes around, Kouyate would just be sitting around eating away at the Whites’ wage bill.
Leeds may be light in their midfield depth at the moment but the likes of Charlie Crew could easily be a stop-gap until their players return from injury.
Daniel Farke also has Darko Gyabi out on loan to Plymouth and, as the club have a recall option in his contract, he could end up making his way back to Elland Road at the halfway point [Plymouth Live, 9 July].
Leeds United don’t need Cheikou Kouyate
Although Leeds’ fans may feel that their club needs some more experienced players to be added to their ranks, this isn’t the case.
Crew’s name has been highly regarded at Leeds for some time now and he’s also the same age that Archie Gray was last season and look where he’s found himself now.
Kouyate would help bolster Leeds’ ranks in the short term but as soon as Gruev and Ampadu are fit, there would be no chance of the 34-year-old getting a look in.
His versatility to play in defensive midfield and centre-back is likely one of the main reasons why Leeds are even considering a move but the fact that Crew could slot in and Gyabi can be recalled in January, makes it feel like a move wouldn’t make much sense at the moment.
Using Crew and Gyabi in the starting XI would no doubt boost their confidence and would also spur them on to be better players which is a win-win situation for both parties.
Only time will tell whether a move will come to fruition but at this moment in time, Kouyate’s transfer feels like it would be a bit of a waste.
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