Leeds United reportedly balked at Floyd Ayite’s asking price back in the summer of 2015but two years on, his Fulham side helped ruin Leeds’ play-off hopes.
Floyd Ayite may have taken his time to hit form in Fulham colours. When he did, however, it was worth the wait.
Arriving on a three-year deal from Ligue 1 side Bastia in the summer, as reported by ESPN, it took the powerful forward 13 games to open his account in the Championship. However, after exploding into life with a clinical brace in December’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Wolves, the Togo international has not looked back.
He ended his debut season with nine Championship goals and a major cog in a thrilling Fulham attack only equalled by champions Newcastle United and Norwich City last season. Add another seven assists to his output and Ayite was one of the most versatile and productive forwards in the second tier last season.
As a result, his Fulham side stormed into the play-offs while Leeds United dramatically dropped out with just a few games remaining.
Looking a million dollars
Therefore, the fact that Leeds were determined to sign him in the summer of 2015 only pours further salt onto the wounds. The Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Ayite, then of Rennes, was the out-and-out winger former Leeds boss Uwe Rosler wanted at Elland Road.
However, as he was likely to cost upwards of £1 million, Leeds turned their attentions elsewhere.
And, two years on, owner Massimo Cellino’s reluctance to meet Ayite’s asking price looks like a mistake. After all, Chris Wood was the only Leeds player to score more than Ayite last season while only Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe can match his impressive tally of assists.
With the club’s lack of creativity costing them dear in April, losing three games without scoring, you cannot help but wonder if Leeds would have been contesting the play-offs with Ayite driving down their wing.
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