Leeds reportedly considered Lille playmaker Bahlouli in the summer.
French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Leeds United “aborted” a move to form a reunion between Marcelo Bielsa and Lille playmaker Fares Bahlouli in the summer.
Bahlouli, 23, is an attacking midfielder who is renowned for his close control, driving runs from midfield and an eye for goal that has seen him score goals in the top tier of French football.
A France youth international, Bahlouli has been ostracised by Lille since Bielsa’s reign in charge. The Argentine manager lasted from May 2017 to December 2017, his last job before joining Leeds.
Bahlouli had joined Lille in January 2017 from Monaco for just £3.1million (Ninety Minutes Online) and upon Bielsa’s arrival, he was on the fringes of the senior side. Under the current Leeds boss, he played 10 times in all competitions.
Following Bielsa’s exit, the former Lyon midfielder managed just four more appearances in 2017-18, and is yet to even make the bench this season for the Ligue 1 outfit.
Bahlouli will surely be wishing a move to Elland Road went through, as he struggles to make an impact with Lille. A big January awaits the playmaker, though a move to Leeds now looks unlikely.
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