Leeds United could sign a summer transfer target on a free transfer at the end of the season, with a decision now made on his contract.
Daniel Farke was left frustrated in the summer transfer window as Leeds missed out on bringing in one final forward to strengthen his attacking options.
As a result, Leeds are in the market to strengthen their forward line in the summer transfer window as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move to Leeds in recent days, although the Leeds boss is already well-stocked in midfield.
However, the Whites could elect to move for Angers’ number 10 Himad Abdelli, who was one player linked with a £12 million move to Leeds in the summer transfer window.
Himad Abdelli of Angres
Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images
One-time Leeds United target Himad Abdelli set to leave on a free
According to a report from L’Equipe, Leeds United could get a second chance to move for Abdelli as the number 10 has decided on his future.
Abdelli is out of contract at the end of the season, and he will leave the club at the end of the season, meaning he can speak to clubs about his next deal in the new year.
L’Equipe states: “The Montivilliers native (Seine-Maritime) wants to give himself the opportunity to explore other options, as the asking price for a potential transfer this summer was perhaps a little too high (between €8 and €10 million).
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“There was no shortage of suitors, such as Al-Qadisiyah (Saudi First Division), Torino, and Leeds, but some may have been deterred by the asking price.
“Mönchengladbach hesitated between him and Giovanni Reyna (signed for €4 million), or couldn’t find a suitable arrangement (Sevilla FC were considering a loan with an option to buy).”
The story was subsequently retweeted by Abdelli on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, seemingly adding weight to the claim.
Himad Abdelli of Angers
Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images
Himad Abdelli would give Leeds United a different option in attack
At 25 years old, Abdelli is approaching the best years of his career as he prepares to leave Angers, who currently sit 14th in the Ligue 1 table.
Leeds do not have a recognised number 10 in their squad this season, with Brenden Aaronson operating primarily from the wing, having played more centrally in the Championship.
Although Abdelli’s output has been limited this season, scoring just one goal and failing to register an assist, according to FotMob, that can partially be explained by Angers’ struggles in the league.
Abdelli scored six, made one assist and created 39 chances last season. If Leeds are looking for a technical forward who would not break the bank, he could be a solid pick-up on a free transfer.