Leeds United must act fast to sign transfer target Edouard Michut as he explained why he won’t be staying at Sunderland, where he spent last season on loan from PSG – as the midfielder spoke to L’Equipe, reported via Leeds Live.
Michut revealed that a permanent stay at Sunderland didn’t come to be as a result of contractual disagreements between the parties, but also because the midfielder didn’t agree with the style of play that he would be asked to support.
Sunderland play on the counterattack, where a midfielder like Michut needs to progress the ball quickly on the break. He would prefer to be in a possession-based system, where he can display his talent in possession and take more time are care of the ball.
That’s where Leeds United come into play. New boss Daniel Farke has always preferred a measured, possession-focused approach, looking to dominate the ball and outplay teams. With Leeds looking to challenge towards the top of the Championship, they should be able to achieve this.
When speaking to L’Equipe, reported via Leeds Live, Michut admitted: “I’m more of a player who touches between 80 and 100 balls per game and, in this pattern, I’m at 50-60 maximum. I thank the president for understanding my choice not to stay.”
Reports have suggested that any Leeds move for Michut would cost around £2.5million – a very cheap deal by any standards, let alone for a player with experience of the Championship last season.
At that fee, space would be left for Leeds to invest heavily in improving other areas of the pitch, particularly if Everton continue their pursuit of a permanent move for Willy Gnonto, with fees around £20million being reported (Sportmediaset, 17 July).
Michut impressed during his time at Sunderland, scoring just one goal but turning in consistently stellar performances to help the North-East club reach the Championship playoffs.
Still only 20, Michut fits the description of the type of player Farke likes to use in his squads, with Billy Gilmour, Oliver Skipp and Harrison Reed all having spent key developmental time in their careers learning under Farke during their time at Norwich City.
This one feels like an opportunity Leeds mustn’t pass up.