Marcelo Bielsa took over the reins at Leeds United in the summer of 2018 (Getty Images)
Back in December 2019, the Foot Mercato via Sport Witness (h/t the Nottinghamshire Live) had claimed that Leeds United were interested in signing FC Chamois Niort striker Ibrahim Sissoko. However, no move materialised during the January transfer window and he stayed put with the French second-tier outfit.
Ibrahim Sissoko, 24, joined FC Chamois Niort from FC Lorient last summer and has enjoyed a fantastic season in the Ligue 2, scoring 15 goals in 25 appearances. He has been the brightest spark in an otherwise mediocre campaign for FC Chamois Niort as they continue to battle against relegation.
With the 24-year-old centre-forward enjoying an impressive campaign in Ligue 2, Leeds United must revive their interest in him when the transfer window opens.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have overcome the slight dip in form and have managed to reach the top of the championship table, leading West Brom by a point. Seven points separate the Whites and 3rd-placed Fulham with just nine games to go, meaning it is firmly in Leeds’ hands ahead of the final run-in. They are truly in a commanding position to end their 16-year long wait for top-flight football.
Hence, Marcelo Bielsa must start planning for the next season from now on and one area Bielsa should reinforce without any second thoughts is the forward department.
Patrick Bamford is Bielsa’s first-choice striker at the club but he has been extremely inconsistent for the majority of the campaign. Arsenal ended up recalling Eddie Nketiah from his season-long loan spell in January and Bielsa replaced him by signing Jean-Kevin Augustin on loan from RB Leipzig. The forward has only made three appearances as he has missed the last three games through injury.
To put things into perspective, Leeds United can certainly do with added competition for places up top next term. To that end, Ibrahim Sissoko would be an ideal addition to the club’s ranks.
Having only featured for various lower-division clubs in France, including FC Lorient and Beziers prior to his move to Niort this past summer, Sissoko managing the catch Leeds’ attention in December was the testament to the season he’s enjoyed in France. The French striker of Malian descent would add cover and competition for Bamford next term.
Notwithstanding the fact that a goalscorer with proven pedigree in English football would fit the bill better, bringing in Sissoko purely on the back of a solid campaign in Ligue 2 won’t necessarily be a bad idea.
Despite the fact that the 24-year-old lacks previous experience of English football in his CV, the Whites would have a talented player on their hands if Bielsa manages to unlock his potential.
