Leeds United Transfer News: Former Premier League midfielder tipped to solve midfield crisis?

Daniel Farke’s side have responded to their defeat in last season’s Championship play-off final by taking 16 points from their first nine games of the 2024-25 season. The German will be pleased with his team’s defensive efforts, having lost just one game and conceded seven goals during this period.

However, a string of serious injuries means that Elland Road’s core group will be tested over the winter. In particular, Ethan Ampadu and Ilya Gruev are out until 2025 due to knee injuries, with Ampadu expected to return in January and Gruev facing a longer absence.

As a result, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell are the current partners in the engine room, with minimal experience in the reserves. Fark had previously talked about opposition to the acquisition of a free agent at this stage, but given a stressful schedule in the future, his hands could be forced.

The 34 -year -old football player has been available since he left the city in the summer after staying at East Midround for two years.

Kouyate barely featured for Forest after Nuno Espirito Santo\’s arrival at the back end of 2023, making just two substitute outings in the Premier League from the turn of the year.

Only 36 appearances were made for Forest over a two-year period, leaving the Senegal international with an effort to get up to speed should he sign for a new club in the coming weeks. Despite another international break coming in November, Leeds still have 15 Championship games to play until the end of the 2024 season.

Already five points behind leaders Sheffield United in the standings, Farke may have to go against his instincts and add extra players to his squad.