Leeds United are looking at a January move to sign PSV's Ismael Saibari, who has been likened to Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.
FA look into Hannibal after alleged spit at Leeds fans
The Whites fell to a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Burnley last month and look set to battle the Clarets in a bid to avoid an immediate return to the Championship in 2026.
A major talking point from the loss at Turf Moor was around the actions of Hannibal, who was alleged to have spat at the travelling Leeds fans, something which was reported at the time by supporters.
hannibal-burnley-premier-league
Since then, it has been stated that the FA are looking into the allegations, and former referee Keith Hackett has suggested that if found guilty, Hannibal would be suspended for at least three games.
"The spitting allegation will be investigated by The FA, having entered the public domain. If proven, the player faces a suspension. It is classed as violent conduct and a minimum of three games.”
It remains to be seen what the FA’s conclusion will be, however, in the transfer market, Leeds are after an attacking midfielder similar to the Burnley man.
Leeds looking to sign PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari
According to reports from Leeds United News and journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are looking at a January deal for PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Saibari.
The Morocco international has played in holding, central and attacking midfield roles this season and has scored an impressive 10 goals in 16 games, two of which have come in the Champions League. Saibari also netted a hat-trick in a 3-2 win away to Feyenoord, with Bailey saying:
“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.”
The 24-year-old looks like an ideal target for Leeds, who need more goals in the team, scoring the joint third fewest in the Premier League behind Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach have both found the back of the net, however, adding someone like Saibari could be a shrewd move.
Midfielders similar to Saibari Club
James McAtee Nottingham Forest
Hannibal Mejbri Burnley
Jobe Bellingham Borussia Dortmund
Gus Hamer Sheffield United
Arne Engels Celtic
He has been likened to some pretty talented youngsters, including Hannibal and Jobe Bellingham, and considering Saibari’s start to the season, a deal could help Leeds’ attempts to beat the drop.
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