Leeds concerned over midfielder’s price tag

Leeds United have been put off by the price tag placed on Azzedine Ounahi following the Moroccan’s exceptional World Cup campaign.

What’s the latest?

It has been widely reported that Victor Orta is looking to bring in a new midfielder this month with strong links earlier in the window to Ounahi.

However, there have been more recent links to Juventus’ Weston McKennie with the Whites reportedly in talks over a potential deal for the American.

Leeds have already made two additions in the January window and have spent in the region of £35m with the signings of Maximilian Wober and Georginio Rutter.

Who would be the better signing?

Azzedine Ounahi

Vote

Weston McKennie

Vote

And speaking on Joe Wainman’s YouTube channel, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed the price tag put on Ounahi by Angers has put Leeds off from making the move to sign him:

“From Leeds’ perspective, it’s about the club not being particularly sold on the price, because the market value actually, even after the World Cup – and I know this is a very hot topic and often debated – but the market value is somewhere in the region of €15m.

“And the kind of money that is being asked for is, roughly speaking, double that or even a little bit more, and that’s what’s putting Leeds off. And they also have to think about spending that amount of money and then maybe going down.”

Cheaper alternative?

As Jacobs mentioned, for Leeds to acquire the services of Ounahi this month, there is the expectation it would take an offer in the region of possibly more than €30m (£26m).

However, recent reports from Fabrizio Romano have suggested that Juventus would be looking for an offer in the region of €35m (£30.7m) to allow McKennie to depart this month.

Comparing the two over their 2022/23 campaigns so far, the Moroccan has provided more passes, shots, shot-creating actions and tackles per 90 minutes (via FBref).

Can you get 100% on this Leeds World Cup transfer quiz?

Question 1. After starring for England at the 2002 World Cup, how much did Leeds sell Rio Ferdinand to Manchester United for?

£25m


£30m


£35m


£40m

But it is McKennie who has provided more goals and assists this season – albeit with just one of each to his name.

With these stats in mind as well as his impressive displays during the Qatar World Cup, perhaps there is an argument to be made that Ounahi could be worth the effort this month.

But it is worth remembering McKennie has formed a strong relationship with the current Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams from their time together in the USMNT.

McKennie started all four of the United States’ matches in the World Cup and did so alongside Adams as they took America to the final 16.

So perhaps Victor Orta is looking beyond the stats and considering who may be the best fit for Leeds who already have a strong American group at the club.