Why Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye would be a handy signing for Leeds United
According to claims from Het Laatste Nieuws (via Walfoot) (h/t Birmingham Live), Premier League newcomers Leeds United are among a host of clubs interested in securing the services of Belgian attacking midfielder Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye.
The 21-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie, is also on the radar of Premier League rivals Wolves and Serie A club Hellas Verona. The youngster is also being chased by Standard Liege and Gent in his native Belgium. (Het Laatste Nieuws h/t Birmingham Live)
As per the report, the Belgian U-21 international is likely to be available for a fee of around £6.2million, with a move to England touted as the most likely outcome.
Profile
Born in Antwerp, Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye started his youth career in his native Belgium before moving across the continent to join NEC Nijmegen in 2018.
The highly-rated attacking prospect made his professional debut in the Dutch second-tier, impressing with 6 goals in 25 league appearances for Nijmegen, before earning a loan move to top-flight club Willem II last summer.
Ndayishimiye’s loan move was turned into a permanent transfer by Willem II in January 2020 following a string of promising displays. The 21-year-old went on to register 9 goals and 6 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions for Willem II last term, having caught the eye in the Eredivisie as one of the most exciting breakout stars.
The versatile attacking midfielder has represented Belgium across various age-groups from U-17 to U-21, accumulating a total of 23 youth international caps in the process.
Ndayishimiye would bolster Leeds’ attacking depth
Leeds United have already sent out a strong statement of intent with the signing of Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia to bolster their forward line. Robin Koch has also been roped in from Freiburg to shore up the defence.
However, considering the imminent fixture congestion due to the delayed start to the 2020-21 season and the obvious step up in quality from the Championship to the top-flight, it goes without saying that the Whites need more depth in their attack.
Marcelo Bielsa clearly hasn’t got enough depth when it comes to his creative options. Jack Harrison’s return to Elland Road for a successive loan spell comes as a big boost, but with veteran Pablo Hernandez nearing his twilight at 35, the Whites can certainly do with another quality attacking midfielder.
Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas were a regular source of goals and assists in the Championship last term. However, one does get the feeling that a promising youngster like Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye would ensure healthy competition for places.
Essentially a central attacking midfielder by trade, the Belgian starlet boasts the versatility to play in a No.10 role and also on either flank as a winger. Hence, his arrival at Elland Road would offer Bielsa with valuable cover in multiple areas of the pitch.
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Verdict
Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye might not have a lot of experience under his belt but he is young and promising. At 21, he still has his best years ahead of him and Leeds could have an absolute gem on their hands if they manage to beat off competition for his services this summer.
