Are Leeds United making the right decision by paying £2 million for the 23-year-old?
Leeds United have completed the signing Hadi Sacko on a permanent deal, the club website announced, in a move worth up to £2 million, according to France Football.
The 23-year-old all but confirmed his return to Elland Road on Twitter earlier in the week, writing: “Looks like were gonna have some more moments together guys. Very excited to stay there and help as much as I can.”
With no manager in place, the deal has been sanctioned by new owner Andrea Radrizzani who, in truth, has taken a little risk on the winger.
Sacko showed glimpses of undoubted quality during his season-long loan from Sporting Lisbon last term but there is no arguing that he simply must do a lot more in terms of statistics next time around.
The French winger managed only two goals in 42 appearances across all competitions – 30 of which were from the start – and three assists. For an attacking player, it simply was not good enough from Sacko.
Of course, if he does kick on tremendously next season then it will be seen as a masterstroke by the Italian businessman, but Leeds fans would not be surprised if the same lack of end product plagued the jet-heeled winger again.
And £2 million is hardly chump change for a club whose most expensive signing of recent years was Kemar Roofe, at £3 million, last summer.
It is undoubtedly a risk by Radrizzani; not strictly because Sacko seldom looked like a £2 million player last season, but because if Garry Monk’s replacement does not rate him then it could cause early friction between manager and owner, should such an expensive addition regularly find himself on the bench or worse.
Question is, is he worth the risk? Two goals and three assists says probably not.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
