Leeds United Have A Firm Eye On This 23-Year-Old Midfielder: Good Option For Farke’s Tactics? | OneFootball

According to a report on X from Turkish football journalist Ekrem Konur, Leeds United have a firm eye on AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah. Daniel Farke reportedly wants the 23-year-old to increase his central options for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The club even wanted to scout him closely during the World Cup, but international commitments disrupted those plans. They are not alone in this race. West Ham United are also watching the situation, having tried to sign the American international last summer.

Leeds United chase Milan midfielder in transfer race

San Siro officials are ready to do business. Musah is back in Milan after a season-long loan spell at Atalanta, and his future in Italy looks incredibly bleak. The Italian side prefer a permanent sale rather than another temporary loan deal. Milan might want around €18-20 million for the player. Transfermarkt has his value a bit lower at €14 million, mostly because his recent performances have been so hit-and-miss. Speed is key now. Both English clubs must act fast if they want to get this deal over the line.

The midfield question and whether Musah is the ideal option

FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 22: Yunus Musah of Atalanta BC in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Atalanta BC at Artemio Franchi on May 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Let’s look at this honestly. The move looks great on paper. On the training pitch? That is a completely different story. His 2025-26 season did not exactly set the world on fire. He managed just 20 Serie A appearances across the entire year, splitting his time between Atalanta and Milan. One goal. A regular spot on the bench. He played 813 minutes in total and started a mere six games. At 23, you need to be playing week in, week out. Musah is still a player looking for his best position.

The talent is obviously there. He has superb energy, presses opponents smartly, and loves to drive forward into open space with the ball at his feet. His pedigree is top-tier too, having come through the Arsenal academy before making his senior breakthrough at Valencia at just 17. Milan paid €20 million for him in 2023. The ability is real, but the consistency is completely missing.

Farke used a double pivot last year to protect his backline and give his creative players total freedom. He wants a possession-based side that dominates the ball, a point he made clear to new signing Harry Wilson. Musah works hard and can press, but his passing range is limited. He does not offer the creative spark or progressive passing that a Farke midfield needs at the top level.

Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach dominated the midfield last season. Ampadu even picked up the club’s Player of the Season award. Musah would have to fight Stach for a starting spot. It is very hard to see him winning that battle based on his current form.

There is a bigger issue here. The 49ers’ ownership group clearly likes targeting the American market. Brenden Aaronson is already a major part of the attacking setup. Commercial logic makes sense during a World Cup summer, but marketing cannot dictate football decisions. Farke does not need to sell shirts. He needs a midfielder who fits his tactical blueprint. For €20 million, you can find much better passing options in the current market. Musah might be a decent squad player, but he is not the transformative signing Leeds actually need.