Leeds United Plot Move For This Emerging Midfield Ace: Why Farke Must Make The Call | OneFootball

If a report from Africa Foot is believed to be true, Leeds United are keen on securing the services of Issouf Sissokho in the upcoming January window. The young midfield prodigy is enjoying his minutes in Israel for Maccabi Tel Aviv, but might make the next career move with a fascinating Premier League move on the horizon.

The 23-year-old Malian international progressed through the youth ranks of Derby Académie back in his homeland before being snapped up by French side Bordeaux for their reserves. Soon, he secured a starting status in the centre of the pitch, but was allowed to part ways last year after the Girondins were administratively relegated to the fourth-tier due to bankruptcy.

Sissokho featured regularly for the Israeli heavyweights throughout the 2024-25 season and has already appeared 12 times so far this term across competitions. His rise has not gone unnoticed, and the Leeds scouts are keen on bringing him to West Yorkshire to bolster their midfield.

Why He Would Offer A New Dimension

Retaining the top-flight status must be the season’s goal for Daniel Farke, having guided the Whites to conquer the Championship title en route to clinching promotion. They had a busy summer with several top signings, including Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, who have been the preferred ‘number 8s’ in their three-man midfield setup.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 28: Cher Ndour of Besiktas runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Issouf Sissokho of Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Besiktas JK and Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC at Besiktas Park on November 28, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Skipper Ethan Ampadu drives the show from the base as a deep-lying playmaker, with Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev covering the first-team trio as second-half substitutes. Despite contributing to their promotion, neither Tanaka nor Gruev has done enough to attune to the grind and demands of Premier League football. The German gaffer, therefore, must be seeking further reinforcements to boost their survival hopes over the next few months.

Predominantly a defensive midfielder who is strong with his tackles, the youngster is also known for his box-to-box movements, passing, through balls and long-range attempts. Not only would he fit in as a ‘number 6’, but also in central midfield, thus offering flexibility in Farke’s formation.

Why Leeds United Must Also Address Other Issues

Meanwhile, Leeds United have a crisis up top as Daniel James, Noah Okafor and Wilfried Gnonto have been sidelined due to their respective injury woes. The manager is forced to deploy Brendan Aaronson as a makeshift wide attacker, with Jack Harrison being the only available outright winger. James returned to action against Burnley, yet the priority should be strengthening the frontline rather than roping in another midfielder.

Having said that, Leeds United must have found a market opportunity in Sissokho for his potential and promises. He holds a very high ceiling and could eventually become an asset at Elland Road if a transfer takes place in the January window.