Deal 80% Done: Leeds United Make Shock Move for Injured Ligue 1 Champion

{“remix_data”:[],”remix_entry_point”:”challenges”,”source_tags”:[“local”],”origin”:”unknown”,”total_draw_time”:0,”total_draw_actions”:0,”layers_used”:0,”brushes_used”:0,”photos_added”:0,”total_editor_actions”:{},”tools_used”:{},”is_sticker”:false,”edited_since_last_sticker_save”:false,”containsFTESticker”:false}

Leeds United Eye Shock Move for Ligue 1 Winner Recovering from ACL Blow

Leeds United are exploring a surprise swoop for Turkish international Yusuf Yazıcı as Daniel Farke’s side look to bolster their attacking midfield options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Yazıcı, a Ligue 1 title winner with Lille in 2020/21, is currently contracted to Greek giants Olympiacos, but reports emerging from RMC Sport claim the 28-year-old is keen on a move away from the club after a nightmare debut season in Greece.

The Turkish playmaker endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, managing just a single 20-minute appearance before suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Now fit again and with two years left on his contract, Yazıcı is reportedly open to reigniting his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues—with both Leeds and an unnamed French side expressing interest.

The Whites are believed to be seriously considering a move for the 45-cap Turkey international, who brings pedigree and versatility. Capable of operating as a No. 10, out wide, or even in a central striking role, Yazıcı would offer Leeds a creative and goal-scoring option in the final third.

Yazıcı previously shone on the European stage, finishing as the top scorer in the 2020/21 Europa League campaign, during which he helped Lille to the Ligue 1 title. He joined Olympiacos on a free transfer from Lille in September 2024, but his stint in Greece was quickly derailed by injury.

This potential signing would not be without risk. Yazıcı’s recovery from an ACL tear raises inevitable fitness concerns, and it remains to be seen whether he can rediscover the form that once made him one of Turkey’s most exciting attacking prospects.

Still, it wouldn’t be the first time Leeds have rolled the dice on a player recovering from long-term injury. Under Farke, the club previously moved for Manor Solomon after the Israeli international was sidelined with a torn meniscus just six games into his Tottenham spell.

Meanwhile, Leeds’ bid to sign Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff has stalled. The Yorkshire outfit submitted a third offer worth £12 million, but Newcastle reportedly rejected the proposal, with Eddie Howe keen to retain the midfielder for his “work rate” and “tactical understanding.” While the door remains open for a potential departure, Leeds now appear to be pursuing other avenues.

Last week had started brightly for the Elland Road side, with deals for Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sam Byram confirmed, and the club submitting formal plans to Leeds City Council to expand Elland Road’s capacity from 38,000 to 53,000. A deal for Longstaff would have capped off a productive week, but attention has since shifted toward Yazıcı as a new attacking option.

If Leeds can secure the Turk’s signature and he returns to full fitness, it could prove a masterstroke. But after a year on the sidelines, it’s a calculated gamble—one that might pay off handsomely.