Leeds United are interested in a deal for RC Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
Recently, Daniel Farke made clear he wants a hybrid playmaker. He is hoping that Leeds United sign a player who can be utilised as a No.10 or winger, perhaps so Leeds can operate in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape.
Facundo Buonanotte is one of two options for Leeds, as we exclusively revealed. However, the 22-year-old French winger is another potential option. Bakwa was first linked alongside Bilal El Khannouss after an impressive season with Strasbourg.
At that time, it was with Leeds eyeing Bakwa as a Igor Paixao alternative. His name has cropped up a few times throughout the window, but is far more relevant currently. The Athletic’s Leeds reporter Beren Cross has continued to link Bakwa with Leeds.
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
Dilane Bakwa’s view of a move to Leeds United
Over the weekend, it was revealed Leeds were stepping up their efforts to bring in Bakwa. Sacha Tavolieri’s report outlined how the Whites were challenging Nottingham Forest for his services in a £30 million move.
Prior to signing Omari Hutchinson, Forest had a £26 million bid for Bakwa rejected. There was talk that Forest were set to sign Bakwa for £28 million at one stage as well. Leeds then looked to move ahead in the race.
But that has since been quashed somewhat, as Forest remain very keen on Bakwa. Their interest is in spite of bringing in Dan Ndoye, James McAtee, and Hutchinson this summer.
The developments since include that Bakwa was then left out of Strasbourg’s game on Sunday, but Daniel Farke prefers Nico Gonzalez to Bakwa. That has put the deal in doubt, and further information has since been brought to light.
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Leeds Live report that contacts close to Strasbourg have stated Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are further down the road in the transfer chase.
Not only that but they report that there are doubts over his desire to move to Elland Road. Isaac Johnson reports that there has been a suggestion that many of the links to Leeds are drummed up by agents.
However, he claims that, despite that, the Whites do retain interest in the winger ahead of next week’s deadline.
RC Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Dilane Bakwa tormented Lucas Perri back in March
Bakwa shone in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg last term, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in 30 appearances. Only five players got more assists and it was just his second full season in France’s top flight.
Bakwa also caused Lucas Perri a major headache. Bakwa scored one and created another in a stunning performance back in March.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
FC Girondins de Bordeaux 52 5 9
RC Strasbourg Alsace 68 11 19
Dilane Bakwa’s career stats
It’s also worth noting that Bakwa is left-footed and he created the first goal by whipping a corner into the box for Andrey Santos to head home. That would provide Leeds with a different type of threat.