Leeds need an attacking midfielder this month, after losing two.
Arabian Gulf League side Al-Nasr have decided to release Yohan Cabaye from his contract just six months after he joined the Dubai-based side from Premier League outfit Crystal Palace – and Leeds United have got take advantage.
New management at Nasr have decided to free up their four overseas squad spaces and that has seen them release 48-time France international Cabaye, with the club sitting just six points above the relegation zone.
Cabaye, 33, managed 19 appearances for Nasr, scoring two goals. But it is obvious that the former Paris Saint-Germain star and Newcastle icon has plenty left in the tank, after he made 31 Premier League appearances last season.
The playmaker will now be on the lookout for a new club and Victor Orta has to seriously consider whether it is worth bringing him to Elland Road – after losing Samu Saiz and Lewis Baker.
Spanish ace Saiz has returned to his home country, joining La Liga side Getafe on a loan-to-buy deal that is expected to be made permanent in the summer. Lewis Baker saw his loan cancelled by Chelsea, as he struggled for game time.
The former England Under-21 captain has since joined Championship strugglers Reading on loan until the end of the season from Maurizio Sarri’s side, and it has left Leeds particularly light in the middle of the park.
Leeds need an attacking midfielder then, as Pablo Hernandez has been pushed into the middle of the park alongside Mateusz Klich. Leeds’ first reserve, currently, is Tyler Roberts – though he is recognised more as a striker.
On a free transfer, Cabaye would be an exquisite signing. With Leeds closing in on a return to the Premier League, adding a bit of top-flight experience is key and Cabaye has bags of that – 175 appearances to be precise.
Leeds boast a lot of young stars coming through the academy, and giving them an experienced player to learn from can help them reach the next step – as Hernandez has done. Signing Cabaye would be perfect for Bielsa.
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