After an exceptional start to life under manager Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United have seen their form dwindle in recent weeks. Following their 3-0 victory over Preston North End on 19th September, the Whites have won just one of their subsequent four fixtures. Barring a 1-0 victory over Hull City, Leeds lost two and drew two more.
Following their 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers over the weekend, Leeds secured a win over Ipswich Town and that result has propelled them to the top of the Championship standings. Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are behind merely on goal difference, meaning the upcoming few matches will play a deciding role.
However, Bielsa and his team must maintain their momentum to ensure they stay at the top of the table. One major concern for the Whites in recent weeks has been the downturn in star playmaker Samu Saiz’s form.
The 27-year-old Spaniard hasn’t scored a single goal in the English second division this season and has just two assists to his name in 13 appearances. His performance this past weekend against Blackburn was quite lacklustre, as he failed to stamp his authority and dictate play.
With on-loan Chelsea midfielder Izzy Brown yet to return to full fitness, Leeds lack another creative attacking midfielder in their ranks. Should Saiz’s form continue to decline, they might find themselves in trouble.
A report from Yorkshire Evening Post has linked Leeds with a move for former Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri, who is a free agent at the moment. The 31-year-old is currently serving a ban due to the usage of banned drugs and will not be allowed to return to action until the turn of the year. However, he will be able to start training again from November 1st.
So, should Leeds explore the possibility of signing the former France international?
There are no questions about the things Nasri’s achievements in his career in the past, particularly during his time with Arsenal and Manchester City. Notching up 215 Premier League appearances while scoring 36 times and setting up 42 more is no mean feat.
Furthermore, there is no taking away the fact that he is a two-time Premier League winner and has also lifted the League Cup on one occasion. And at 31, if he puts his head down and gets back into shape, he could bring value to the team. But, at what cost?
Nasri, throughout his career, has been known to have major attitude problems at his clubs as well as with the French national team, developing the image of a trouble-maker. The manner in which he forced an exit from Arsenal and the way he was ushered out of Manchester City despite having his best years ahead of him, tells a tale of notoriety and arrogance.
Nasri has been out of the game for over eight months and will take a lot of time and effort to get back into match fitness. In fact, it might be a long time before he does find his rhythm. And if the Frenchman’s notorious side raises its head, it could lead to an unrest within the squad, which isn’t what Bielsa or Leeds need as they chase promotion.
That is why, as appealing as it might be to have a two-time Premier League winner in the squad, Leeds United are better off without bringing Nasri to Elland Road.
