Leeds United’s pursuit of a new midfielder has taken another twist following the collapse of their proposed deal for Cheikhou Kouyate on Wednesday. The former Nottingham Forest and West Ham United player failed his medical, as reported by Football Insider, forcing Leeds to withdraw their interest at the eleventh hour.
This setback leaves Leeds in a tricky position. Manager Daniel Farke has been left light in midfield after long-term injuries to key players Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. With the transfer window closed, their options are now limited to free agents, a route they have already begun to explore by turning their attention to former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder Francis Coquelin. The 33-year-old Frenchman is now training with the club, according to TeamTalk, as Leeds look to plug the gap in their squad.
Coquelin, who has 105 Premier League and 136 La Liga appearances under his belt, would bring a wealth of experience to a team battling for promotion to the Premier League. The Whites, currently among the pack jostling for a play-off position, need reinforcements if they are to maintain their push over the course of a long Championship campaign. Injuries have stretched the squad, and bringing in someone of Coquelin’s calibre could ease the pressure, especially on the club’s returning players.
Farke’s side has made a promising start to the season, and although promotion is far from guaranteed, Leeds are well-positioned to challenge for a return to the top flight. Yet, as injuries mount, adding a player with Coquelin’s experience could provide a vital boost as they enter the gruelling winter months.
Coquelin’s credentials speak for themselves. He was a mainstay in Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal side for several seasons, winning two FA Cups, and later added a Europa League title to his collection with Villarreal. While his playing time has been limited in recent seasons due to injuries, Coquelin has shown throughout his career that he is capable of performing at a high level. His experience of top-flight European football would be an asset to any Championship side, particularly one with ambitions of promotion.
Leeds fan pundit Kris Smith, speaking to Football League World, was cautiously optimistic about the potential signing. “Beggars can’t really be choosers at this stage of the season when it comes to signings and free agents, so I don’t think I, or any Leeds fan, can really complain about the players and the calibre of players that we’re looking at currently to tide us over in midfield,” Smith said.
He added, “Francis Coquelin in particular is someone that would definitely impress me though if we do end up signing him. He’s got a great deal of top flight experience and European experience as well, including winning two FA Cups and the Europa League with Villarreal, so he’s more than capable of coming down into the Championship and operating at a level that we’d need from him.”
However, like with Kouyate before him, fitness remains a concern. Coquelin has been without a club since the summer and has not played competitive football for several months. Smith echoed those concerns, saying, “My concern is the fitness that he’d be coming to Elland Road with, given that, if he does sign, he’s not going to be 100% sharp or match fit after being released in the summer and not kicking a ball since.”
But despite the doubts over his fitness, Smith sees the potential benefits if Coquelin can rediscover his form. “If we do get the best out of Coquelin as a free agent, you’re looking at an absolute bargain that tides us over for the rest of the season,” Smith added. “But it is hard to be confident that that’s what we’re going to be getting with him, because a player of his quality would have already been snapped up if he was match fit.”
Leeds’ search for a midfielder may finally come to an end if Coquelin proves his fitness during his trial period. His extensive experience in the Premier League and La Liga would make him a valuable asset, particularly in tight matches where his defensive capabilities and ability to break up play could make the difference. With the Championship as competitive as ever, having a seasoned professional like Coquelin in the squad could provide the leadership and composure Leeds have sometimes lacked in recent seasons.
Leeds United’s 2024/25 campaign is critical. After suffering relegation from the Premier League two seasons ago, the club is desperate to bounce back. Failure to achieve promotion this time around could spell trouble, with more top players potentially seeking the exit if the club remains outside the top flight. Leeds already lost several key players in the summer, and another year in the Championship would likely exacerbate that problem.
The addition of Coquelin would not only strengthen their midfield but also bring a winning mentality to a side that will need to show resilience and determination in the months ahead. A successful stint for Coquelin at Leeds could even lead to a longer-term arrangement, depending on how both parties fare as the season progresses.
Ultimately, Leeds’ promotion hopes rest on more than just one signing, but if Francis Coquelin can recapture some of the form that made him a top-flight regular for Arsenal and Villarreal, he could prove to be an astute addition at this crucial stage of the season.