Why Leeds United should revive their interest in Samuel Yohou
According to Leeds Live, Leeds United target, Samuel Yohou is now officially a free agent. The former Paris FC defender, who joined the Ligue 2 side in 2017 has left the Stade Charléty, the club announced on their official website last week.
The 28-year-old centre-back was a transfer target for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, according to a report published by French outlet Le10 Sport last month. (h/t Leeds Live)
Frenchman Yohou, who made 21 league appearances for Paris FC this season, helping them to clean sheets. He has been a key player for them in the last couple of years.
To date, he has featured 76 times for the Ligue 2 outfit and has two goals and one assist under his belt. Yohou, who made 26 appearances for Paris last season was crucial to the side’s rise to fourth in rankings last season. However, with his contract at the Stade Charléty coming to end, Yohou has left the club and is now available for a free transfer.
Yohou a cheap solution for Leeds defence
Leeds, on the other hand, are looking for a replacement for their main defender Ben White. The on-loan centre-back arrived from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer and has gone on to become one of their star players this season.
White faces a potential return to his parent club Brighton when his contract at Leeds ends next month. With both the parties yet to agree on a new deal for the 22-year-old, Leeds are looking for new reinforcements in their defence.
Such has been White’s impact since arriving at Leeds that they have emerged as the side with the best defensive record in the league that has seen them climb to the top of the table. With a Premier League promotion soon on the cards, Leeds need new faces at the back if they wish to stay in the top flight for a longer duration.
Apart from on-loan star White, Leeds just have two other recognisable faces at the back – skipper Liam Cooper and veteran Gaetano Berardi. They also have young defenders and academy graduates Pascal Struijk and Oliver Casey on their side.
However, the two of them play for Leeds’s U-23 side and have together played just three Championship games for the senior side so far. That said, Leeds need a established centre-back in their ranks and Yohou would be a viable option.
A veteran of 69 Ligue 2 appearances, Yohou is experienced and would add depth to the centre-back department at Leeds. Moreover, he is now a free agent and is a cheaper alternative, especially considering the current scenario where the coronavirus crisis has financially affected many clubs including Leeds.
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Verdict
Ben White has been key to Leeds’ defensive solidity this season. However, he is on loan at Elland Road and will return to Brighton at the end of his contract. Hence, they need to sign a new centre-back as they lack depth in the department. Hence signing Yohou would, by all means, be a welcoming sign. Having proved himself in Paris, he would add depth and quality to the Leeds side..
