Leeds are now interested in signing Abdelhamid Sabiri after his World Cup heroics – a player Sunderland wanted back in the summer.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Samp News 24 who claimed that the Black Cats wanted to sign the Morocco international during the summer transfer window.
Sabiri eventually ended up at Sampdoria, although according to Samp News 24 once again, Leeds are now interested in securing his signature.
The Italian news outlet believe Jesse Marsch will face competition from Fiorentina, Real Betis and Lyon for the 26-year-old.
In fact, Fiorentina are said to be leading the race.
Samp News 24 believe the Serie A outfit have already submitted a €5m (£4m) bid, as well as the choice of one midfield replacement from Szymon Zurkowski, Marco Benassi and Youssef Maleh.
However, Sampdoria are demanding €10m (£9m) to sell their No.11 so soon after signing him, so it remains to be seen if they will accept Fiorentina’s player-plus-cash offer.
Sabiri’s form on the domestic scene has been largely underwhelming, scoring just one goal in 11 Serie A appearances.
On the international scene, however, he has shone in Qatar with Morocco.
Sabiri grabbed an assist in the 2-0 Group Stage win over Belgium, and has since helped his country defeat Spain in the Round of 16 to book a place in the quarter-final, putting his name up in lights along the way.
Leeds can surely afford Sabiri after Sunderland missed out
In our view, a £9m asking price is surely easy for Leeds to meet, given the riches of those in the Premier League.
Marsch and Victor Orta – Director of Football at Elland Road – were able to spend £5m on Darko Gyabi back in July, who arrived in Yorkshire despite never playing a single minute of senior football.
Therefore, Leeds can surely find £9m to sign a seasoned international, who is currently shining at the World Cup.
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