Leeds United Suffer Setback in Midfield Search as Amadou Koné Chooses Saudi Pro League Move Over Premier League
As Leeds United prepare for their return to the Premier League under Daniel Farke, the club has encountered a major obstacle in their efforts to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level of English football. While the Whites have already made progress in the transfer market, particularly in defence, one of their top midfield targets, Amadou Koné, has opted to turn down a move to Elland Road in favour of a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League.
This decision comes as a significant disappointment for Leeds, who had identified Koné as a key figure in their midfield rebuild. With defensive reinforcements already arriving in the form of Jaka Bijol, a commanding centre-back from Udinese, attention had turned to bolstering the engine room — a crucial area for any newly promoted side aiming to establish itself in the Premier League.
Koné: A Midfield Target Slipping Through Leeds’ Fingers
A Player Built for the Premier League
Amadou Koné’s profile ticked all the right boxes. Just 20 years old, the Ivorian midfielder had already racked up 48 appearances in Ligue 1 for Stade de Reims, showcasing maturity, physical strength, and tactical intelligence far beyond his years. His ball-winning skills, composure in tight spaces, and ability to cover ground made him a perfect candidate for the kind of high-intensity, transitional football Leeds hope to play under Daniel Farke.
Leeds reportedly saw Koné not only as cover for Ao Tanaka, their standout performer in central midfield last season, but as a potential long-term partner. The idea was to create a balanced, energetic double pivot in midfield, with Tanaka’s ability to dictate tempo and Koné’s defensive instincts offering protection and control in equal measure.
But Leeds were not alone in their admiration. Koné had also attracted the attention of other Premier League clubs, as well as OGC Nice in Ligue 1. With so many suitors, the battle for his signature was always going to be competitive.
Saudi Club Neom SC Swoop in with Big-Money Offer
Despite Leeds’ interest, French outlet L’Équipe reported on 27 June that Koné had rejected both Leeds and Nice, opting instead for a £10.2 million move to Saudi Arabian side Neom SC. The decision was met with frustration from Leeds’ recruitment team, who believed they had presented a strong case both financially and in terms of career development.
For Koné, the move to Saudi Arabia represents a surprising shift — especially for a player so young and with so much European potential. However, the Saudi Pro League continues to reshape the transfer market with its financial muscle, offering substantial salaries and signing bonuses even to rising stars, not just established veterans.
This is no longer just a destination for aging players in the twilight of their careers. Koné’s decision underlines the growing allure of the league and the challenge European clubs face in competing not only for stars but also for emerging talent.
Leeds’ Midfield Situation: Depth Required
Leeds now find themselves at a critical juncture. Their midfield, while effective in the Championship, is untested at the Premier League level beyond Ao Tanaka, whose consistency and versatility were essential during the promotion campaign.
The departure of Joshua Guilavogui — who barely featured last season and was clearly not in Farke’s long-term plans — has further depleted depth in the centre of the pitch. With more demanding opposition, quicker transitions, and a greater need for tactical flexibility in the Premier League, Leeds simply cannot rely on a single midfield general to carry them through.
The Type of Midfielder Leeds Still Need:
A ball-winner who thrives under pressure and can play through a press.
Someone with the physical presence to handle intense midfield battles.
A player with positional intelligence, capable of covering for full-backs and breaking up opposition attacks.
Ideally, someone with top-flight experience, or at least from a competitive European league like the Bundesliga or La Liga.
Lessons from Koné’s Snub
Losing out on Koné should serve as both a reality check and a prompt for swift action. Leeds are still a massive club with Premier League football to offer, but they are operating in a market that has changed dramatically in the past few years. Financial packages from clubs in Saudi Arabia, MLS, or even Turkey now rival or surpass what many mid-table Premier League teams can offer.
Leeds will need to adapt by:
Moving faster in their negotiations to avoid drawn-out bidding wars.
Selling a clear vision to young players — not just about game time, but about development, style of play, and future prospects.
Considering pre-agreed release clauses or performance-related bonuses to attract elite young talent.
Alternative Midfield Targets for Leeds United
With Koné now off the table, Leeds’ recruitment team must pivot quickly to alternative midfielders who can slot into the role intended for him. Here are some realistic and strategic options:
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Pros: Young, talented, and powerful. Needs regular minutes and could be open to a loan move.
Cons: Brighton may be reluctant to strengthen a rival, even temporarily.
- Ismaël Koné (Watford)
Pros: Impressed with Canada at international level. Strong box-to-box runner.
Cons: Raw, and his consistency has been questioned.
- Yangel Herrera (Girona)
Pros: A seasoned midfielder with La Liga and Premier League pedigree (ex-Man City).
Cons: Likely to demand high wages and a significant fee after Girona’s excellent season.
- Glen Kamara (Leeds United)
Pros: Already at the club, experienced, could step into a bigger role.
Cons: May not offer the same defensive dominance Leeds were targeting.
- Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves)
Pros: A technically gifted player with bite in midfield. May be available if Wolves refresh their squad.
Cons: Would command a Premier League premium.
- Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Lyon)
Pros: Free agent after reportedly leaving Lyon. Can play multiple roles. Premier League proven.
Cons: Inconsistent in recent years. Needs proper motivation and a settled role.
Time Is Ticking: A Midfield Signing Must Come Soon
While the transfer window is still open for weeks, Leeds cannot afford to wait too long. Pre-season is critical for integrating new signings, especially in midfield, where chemistry, understanding, and tactical discipline are essential.
Daniel Farke has experience managing in the Premier League with Norwich, where limited investment often left him fighting an uphill battle. He will be determined not to repeat that mistake at Elland Road. Leeds’ board, led by Paraag Marathe and supported by 49ers Enterprises, must back him accordingly.
Final Thoughts: A Bump, Not a Breakdown
Missing out on Amadou Koné is undoubtedly a setback — the kind that can frustrate fans and challenge a club’s recruitment vision. But it’s not a disaster. Leeds remain in a strong position: promoted, ambitious, and capable of attracting talent with the right strategy and communication.
What matters now is how they respond. The next few weeks in the window will define not just the strength of the squad, but potentially the success or failure of the 2025/26 season. With defensive additions already made, midfield must now become the absolute priority.