Leeds United Hit With Roadblock In Transfer Chase: What’s Next For This Long Term Whites Target? | OneFootball

The rumour mill is getting trickier to keep track of as we are nearing the transfer deadline. It’s been a hard time for Leeds United who have failed to tie down Nadiem Amiri despite advanced talks. According to the Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, a deal for Joseph Paintsil is also at a standstill due to financial reasons.

While the Whites have not entirely given up on the Genk attacker, they are now assessing alternatives to avoid more damage in the coming days. As Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Seth reported, Paintsil prefers a move to Elland Road having rejected a transfer to Southampton involving a swap with Paul Onuachu.

Why Leeds United Must Not Give Up On Paintsil

The €10m-rated Ghana international progressed through the academy ranks of Red Bull Ghana and Tema Youth before breaking into the latter’s senior squad back in 2017. An impressive loan stint with Ferencváros saw him completing a €3m transfer to Genk. Although he struggled initially in the Belgian Pro League, another loan spell, this time in Turkey with MKE Ankaragücü, helped Paintsil get his career back on track. He is now keen on a fresh challenge in England with Leeds chasing an immediate top-flight return under Daniel Farke.

KRC Genk’s Ghanaian forward #28 Joseph Paintsil celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League second leg of the third qualifying round football match between KRC Genk and Greek Olympiacos F.C, at the Cegeka Arena stadium in Genk on August 17, 2023. (Photo by Johan Eyckens / Belga / AFP) / Belgium OUT (Photo by JOHAN EYCKENS/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)

The Yorkshire giants have witnessed a mass exodus following relegation from the Premier League. Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Brendan Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Jack Harrison, Maximilian Wöber and Marc Roca have parted ways on a season-long loan due to relegation release clauses in their contracts. Tyler Adams and Rodrigo are the other high-profile exits on permanent terms and the club are braced for further departures before the window is slammed shut in a few hours’ time.

Leeds have only grabbed five points from 4 Championship games so far this campaign. Moreover, a shocking second-round exit from the EFL Cup against minnows Salford City has exposed their mediocrity across the pitch. So far they have strengthened the backline by roping in Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon and Djed Spence and Glen Kamara (defensive midfield).

However, Joël Piroe has been the only attacking reinforcement after two productive years with Swansea City. The Dutch ‘number 9’ needs support from the flanks and a player of Paintsil’s profile could be the last piece of the jigsaw towards a successful promotion chase.