Leeds United in tussle to for potential free signing – Arrival from Ligue 1 giants

Leeds United are one of the clubs chasing Marseille’s Bilal Nadir for the summer. 

The 22-year-old’s situation at the Ligue 1 side allows Leeds United or any other club to snatch him for free.

Marseille initially signed him on a free transfer for their reserve team in 2021, after his spell at OGC Nice.

The midfielder made his way into the first team in 2023 and hasn’t enjoyed a prominent role so far. To put it in context, he played 1,479 minutes from 53 matches so far of which 28 are from this season.

His Ligue 1 stats this season are as follows:

• Appearances: 20
• Starts: 5
• Total minutes: 596
• Minutes per game: 30
• Interceptions per game: 0.4
• Tackles per game: 0.9
• Possession won (final third): 0.3
• Ball recovered per game: 1.7
• Clearances per game: 0.3
• Duels won per game. 1.7

Leeds United to battle with several clubs

Africa Foot cover Leeds United’s interest in a report focusing on his future at Marseille. His contract expires in June and there’s no signs of a renewal yet.

The Morocco U23 international came close to reaching an agreement with the Ligue 1 side for the renewal. This was before the recent changes that took place at the club.

Roberto De Zerbi left Marseille in February and then Pablo Longoria stepped down as their president in March. The French club’s sporting director, Medhi Benatia, will leave at the end of this season.

These changes have seen Bilal Nadir take a cautious approach over his renewal and put the final decision on hold. In addition to this, the limited game time is also another factor.

Due to the tough competition, the midfielder’s minutes have been restricted. The club’s plan was to extend his contract and send him out on loan, and internally, this option is still under consideration.

As things stand, the player’s future remains uncertain, and Leeds United are tussling to sign him.

Daniel Farke’s side, Villarreal, Sevilla, Stade Rennais, RC Lens and RC Strasbourg are all chasing him.

Africa Foot state: ‘These clubs particularly appreciate his technical ability, his capacity to move between the lines, and his composure in tight spaces.’

Our take: Nadir could replace Leeds United player

Earlier this month, Sport Witness relayed news that Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka is attracting interest from several Premier League sides.

If Tanaka were to be sold in the summer, Bilal Nadir could be an option to replace him at Elland Road. The current Marseille player is valued at €9m by Transfermarkt.