Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté has missed a crucial opportunity to reignite his football career after being without a club for over three months. Leeds United had expressed interest in the veteran player, but a failed medical test has dashed his hopes of joining the Championship side.
According to reports from Football Insider, Kouyaté, a key figure in Senegal’s 2021 AFCON victory, was being considered by Leeds United as a potential replacement for injured midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
Both players are facing extended spells on the sidelines, leaving the club in need of experienced reinforcements.
Kouyaté’s versatility and wealth of experience in English football made him an attractive option for Leeds.
Having previously played for Premier League sides West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and most recently Nottingham Forest, Kouyaté’s resume boasts a depth of experience that could have been invaluable to Leeds’ campaign to return to the Premier League.
Currently sitting fifth in the Championship, Leeds are in the thick of the promotion race, and a seasoned player like Kouyaté was seen as a potential asset.
However, the move fell through after Kouyaté underwent medical tests that did not yield satisfactory results.
Leeds’ medical team advised against proceeding with the transfer, citing concerns over the player’s fitness.
As a result, the club’s management decided to explore other options to bolster their midfield.
Kouyaté has been without a club since his contract with Nottingham Forest expired on July 1, leaving him in limbo as he searches for his next challenge.
At 34 years old, the midfielder is keen to extend his career, but his recent injury struggles seem to be hindering his prospects.
Leeds, despite recognizing the value of his experience, were unwilling to take the risk, especially as they focus on securing promotion back to the Premier League.
For Kouyaté, the setback is significant. A staple of Senegal’s national team, the midfielder has not been called up since March, in part due to his club situation.
With 92 international caps and two goals for Senegal, including a memorable strike in the 2021 AFCON quarter-final against Equatorial Guinea, Kouyaté has been a vital figure for the Lions.
However, his prolonged absence from competitive football may further complicate his chances of a national team recall, especially with fierce competition for places in the squad.
Earlier in the year, Kouyaté was linked with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, but that deal also failed to materialize.
For now, the former Senegal captain remains a free agent, with his future uncertain as he seeks a new club to revive his career.
At this stage in his career, patience may be Kouyaté’s greatest ally. While his extensive Premier League experience speaks for itself, the challenge will be proving his fitness to potential suitors.
