Daniel Farke confirmed some devastating injury news on Monday afternoon as Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has been ruled out until the new year with a knee injury.
Ampadu picked up the knock on Saturday during the 3-0 win over Coventry and limped off just before half-time, replaced by Ao Tanaka. Now, Farke confirmed that Ampadu will be sidelined for 10 weeks.
Following a return to training, Farke said it is likely he will be out until January. It leaves Leeds lacking in depth in the middle of the park and below, we analyse three free agents that can replace Ampadu.
Three free agents Leeds should consider to replace Ethan Ampadu
Francis Coquelin
The 33-year-old Frenchman is a combative, tough-tackling midfielder renowned for his time at Arsenal and Villarreal. He is a free agent despite playing 22 times for Villarreal, 17 of which came in La Liga.
A player that has experience of playing in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and even the Championship after a brief loan at Charlton, Coquelin’s experience would make him a useful asset.
Whether he move to Elland Road remains to be seen. But, he is a player Arsene Wenger once said was worth £40m, to Sky Sports: “If we bought Coquelin for £40m, everyone would say ‘what a signing’.”
Cheikhou Kouyate
While he turns 35 in December, Senegal star Kouyate is a player with huge experience in the Premier League. Over the years, Kouyate has clocked up 291 appearances in England’s top tier for three clubs.
West Ham, then Crystal Palace and until the summer just gone, Nottingham Forest. A player renowned for his robust style, prowess in the air, his strength and when with the ball at his feet, keeping things simple.
If Leeds need a quick replacement for Ampadu, Kouyate makes sense. Steve Cooper told Nottinghamshire Live that Kouyate is a “big voice in the dressing room”, replacing both Ampadu on and off the pitch.
Muhamed Besic
Former Everton player Besic is another tough-tackling midfield in search of a new club. The 32-year-old Bosnia international has played 52 times in the Championship, having a hand in nine goals from midfield.
Having spent the last three years at Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, Besic is looking for a new club and a return to England’s second tier would surely suit the midfielder who went on loan to Middlesbrough.
His hard-working and physical nature would delight Leeds fans, while his ability with the ball is proven by his three goals and six assists in the Championship while on loan at Boro. He would be a solid addition.
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