Leeds United credited with interest in Chelsea and Manchester United-linked prospect Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh
Leeds United have reportedly added Gambian prodigy Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh to their transfer shortlist.
A 20-year-old centre-back, Sedi Kinteh’s reputation has grown at pace since he established himself as a key figure for Norweigan outfit Tromsø IL.
Earlier this year, Mail Online credited Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United with interest in the highly-rated defender.
Leeds United and Manchester United, led by Daniel Farke and Michael Carrick respectively, have both been linked with Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh.placeholder image
Leeds United and Manchester United, led by Daniel Farke and Michael Carrick respectively, have both been linked with Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Leeds United linked with Gambian prodigy
According to reporter Rudy Galetti, Leeds have been keeping tabs on Sedi Kinteh and have added him to their shortlist.
However, he has also claimed the Gambia international is currently the subject of a pursuit from Bundesliga outfit FC Cologne.
Posting on X, he said: “Köln continue pushing strongly for Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh and are ready to raise their offer to €6m (£5.2m) after Tromsø rejected a €5m (£4.3m) bid, as exclusively revealed in May. Leeds have also recently gathered information on the Gambian CB, adding him to their shortlist.”
Leeds United’s centre-back pool
Leeds have become increasingly reliant on central defenders since switching formation back in November. For the bulk of the 2025/26 campaign, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk were Daniel Farke’s centre-backs of choice.
Sebastiaan Bornauw deputised when injuries struck, as did versatile full-back James Justin. However, Leeds could see their depth impacted as there has been speculation concering the futures of Struijk and Bornauw. Coincidentally, like Sedi Kinteh, Bornauw has been linked with FC Cologne.
There are doubts over the future of Leeds United's Pascal Struijk.placeholder image
There are doubts over the future of Leeds United's Pascal Struijk. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Sedi Kinteh would arguably be a risky signing given his age and the fact he has only plied his trade in Norway’s top flight. However, it is also entirely possible Leeds would be unearthing a gem.
Transfer window planning is well underway behind the scenes at Elland Road, although the club’s retained list has not yet been published. It appears likely there will be a series of departures this summer, as well as a string of signings.