Nantes winger Moses Simon has admitted that the Ligue 1 outfit blocked his move to Premier League giants Leeds United during the January transfer window, speaking to CKD Media.
Given that he’s sharing a dressing room with Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze and Bundesliga hotshot Taiwo Awoniyi, it was always going to be difficult for Simon to stand out from the crowd at the African Cup of Nations.
But while the Nantes winger is hardly the most high-profile member of Jose Peseiro’s squad, he has done exactly that.
A constant menace from the left-hand side, Simon produced one of the tournament’s most mesmerising individual performances in a group-stage victory over Sudan.
All Nigeria Soccer even claimed that a number of unnamed Premier League clubs had taken note of Simon’s thrilling form.
Now, the identity of one of those mystery suitors has been unmasked.
Will Leeds United return for Moses Simon?
“Yes, it is true. My agent told me about some offers. Leeds United came calling with strong offer and (it was my) intention of sealing the deal immediately,” says the 26-year-old.
Simon, who moved to France in a £4 million deal from Levante in 2020, will be forced to stick around until the summer.
Though given that Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t tend to forget about his favourite transfer targets – Daniel James moved to Elland Road two years after that aborted deadline-day switch from Swansea City – don’t be too surprised if Simon is on his way to West Yorkshire in June or July.
“My club want me to finish the season with FC Nantes,” Simon adds. “And I really want to contribute to ensure we secure a Europa League ticket at the end of the season. We are pushing hard for that.
“Already, we are in the quarter-finals of French cup. And, presently, we are among the top ten teams in the league table. Hopefully, the Europa League will not be a bad achievement.”
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