One Leeds United player knows exactly what reported transfer target Dilane Bakwa is capable of after he produced a man-of-the-match display for Strasbourg last season.
Having slumped to a chastening 5-0 defeat against Arsenal in their second game of the Premier League season, the need for Leeds to strengthen their squad is clear.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink questioned Leeds’ transfer business following their heavy loss, as Arsenal dominated the Whites in the air, scoring two goals from corners.
Daniel Farke has made no secret of his desire to bring in more numbers in attack following the arrival of Noah Okafor, and Strasbourg’s France under-21 international Dilane Bakwa is one of several players to be linked with a move to Elland Road.
Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri can vouch personally for Bakwa’s ability after the rising star put his Lyon side to the sword last season with a vintage performance.
RC Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Leeds United target Dilane Bakwa dazzled against Lucas Perri
Bakwa shone in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg last season, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in 30 appearances in his second full season in France’s top flight.
He came up against Perri’s Lyon side on the 28th March 2025, with both sides in contention for a European place and stole the show with a man-of-the-match display.
Bakwa scored one and created another in a brilliant performance. Leeds have struggled with set pieces this season, so it will be of interest to their fans that he created the first goal by whipping a corner into the box for Andrey Santos to head home.
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The talented winger then scored his goal, picking up the ball on the right flank and cutting inside before placing the ball in the far corner with his left foot. He then threatened to repeat the trick a few minutes later, but Perri saved his high shot on target.
Strasbourg ran out 4-2 winners, and Bakwa was the undoubted star of the show. Having allowed his shot to pass him for Lyon, Perri will surely be relieved to have Bakwa on his team if Leeds can hold off rival interest from Nottingham Forest.
Dilane Bakwa dribbles during RC Strasbourg Alsace v Paris Saint-Germain FC - Ligue 1 McDonald's
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Bakwa set to sit out Strasbourg match
With Bakwa looking increasingly likely to leave Strasbourg in the current transfer window, head coach Liam Rosenior looks set to leave him out of their side to face FC Nantes.
Leeds fans have a dual interest in this game, with Nantes’ Matthis Abline also linked with a move to Elland Road, but both could sit out the game amid speculation over their futures.
Bakwa started on the bench during Strasbourg’s Conference League game against Brondby and was introduced after an hour as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw.
Rosenior also preferred English prospect Sam Amo-Ameyaw for Strasbourg’s first game of the season against Metz, as the winger looks increasingly likely to end his time in Alsace.