Leeds United John McGinn Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Tue 10 June 2025 21:59, UK
Leeds United could sign their own equivalent to John McGinn this summer.
The Whites are coming into the new season with the dream of surviving in the Premier League after earning promotion last time out.
If Daniel Farke is going to defy the odds, he will need a number of additions, with any signings needing to showcase a dogged attitude to help secure positive results in the top division.
This could see a player in the mould of Aston Villa captain McGinn have a telling impact on avoiding relegation back to the second tier.
John McGinn
John McGinn is a perfect role model for Leeds United to learn from (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United could land McGinn-esque signing
There is no doubt that the Villans are one of the best examples in recent years of earning promotion, surviving and building from there.
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This has seen the Scotland international play a key role, scoring the winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Derby County and in a Champions League quarter-final against PSG.
That sums up the sort of players that Leeds are going to need if they want to maintain a spot in the Premier League and push up the table.
This could see the Whites step up their approach for Strasbourg star Habib Diarra, who profiles extremely similarly to McGinn at Villa Park.
Both register high numbers for progressive carries, with the Scot registering 1.22 per 90 and the 21-year-old putting up an impressive 2.33 per 90 [Fbref].
The Ligue 1 ace also produces 2.18 shot-creating actions per 90 on top of chipping in defensively with 1.76 clearances and 0.84 tackles.
What makes Diarra even better is his eye for goal, showcased with his run and finish for Senegal in a 3-1 win against England on Tuesday (10 June).
The midfielder showcased plenty of ability going forward that would make him an asset at Elland Road, while also having plenty of defensive nous.
Leeds United must step up Diarra transfer efforts
If Leeds fans didn’t know what to expect from Diarra, after watching him get the better of England, supporters are dreaming of a transfer in LS11.
Coming up against the likes of Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Bukayo Saka, the 21-year-old made things look easy at the City Ground.
Stat Habib Diarra v England
Minutes played 71
Accurate passes 22
Shots 3
Defensive actions 5
Duels won 2
Habib Diarra Senegal stats v England
This could certainly serve him well at Elland Road, now, time will tell as to whether the Whites can win the race for his signature.
Alongside the likes of Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka, the Senegalese ace could prove to be the perfect option for Leeds, just as McGinn is to Aston Villa.
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