Leeds United could still do business in the January transfer window and the latest name to be linked with a move to Elland Road is PSV Eindhoven’s exciting attacker Ismael Saibari.
Managing director Robbie Evans has already made it clear that Leeds have maxed out their position when it comes to PSR. However, Leeds were clearly willing to step over the line ahead of the summer deadline.
Moves were made to sign Facundo Buonanotte, who ended up at Chelsea on loan from Brighton, and Harry Wilson. Fulham pulled the plug on the latter, even if Wilson was keen on a move to Elland Road.
Despite Evans’ comments, Leeds continue to be linked with players including Haji Wright, Piotr Zielinski and Jens Petter Hauge. Now, LeedsUnited.News understands that PSV star Ismael Saibari is on the list.
Ismael Saibari in action for PSV.
Photo by Marcel van Dorst/EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ismael Saibari emerges as Leeds target after sparkling PSV form
Joining PSV from Genk in 2020 as a teenager, 17-time Morocco star Saibari has already clocked up 120 appearances for PSV. Prior to the 2025-26 season, he’d scored 23 goals in 105 games for the Dutch side.
Good form, without really catching the eye. But this season, he’s taken it to a new level. The attacking midfielder has scored 10 goals and laid on an assist in 15 games, including two Champions League goals.
LeedsUnited.News insider Graeme Bailey says the 24-year-old is on Leeds’ radar: “Saibari is having a fantastic season and his form is generating interest, he is an attacking midfielder but can play up-front.
“He can play anywhere really and that is a huge appeal. “It is easy to see why he is on Leeds’ radar and the fact he comes from Holland, means financially he is more attainable than other areas of Europe.”
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How much could Ismael Saibari cost if Leeds pursue a deal?
Of course, Evans could have simply made those comments to suggest against Leeds having reserves to dip into. The fact might be that actually, Leeds do have cash to spend in January and will do so.
Indeed, reports suggest that Leeds are planning to bring one or two new faces to the club in the winter to bolster their attacking ranks. Interest in Wilson, for example, remains with his deal ending in June 2026.
As Bailey says, interest in Saibari is plentiful and given he has scored Champions League goals, that price tag is only going to rise. But The Netherlands is seen as a springboard into Europe’s top five divisions.
It could be then, that Leeds may make a play for Saibari in January. Loose reports said in the summer that Saibari was worth around £24m, but that fee could increase as Saibari continues to shine for PSV.