“Leeds Drop JAW-DROPPING £21M Bid for Sensational Sadiki Rival – He’s MILES Better Than Aaronson!”

Leeds United are preparing for what promises to be a pivotal summer in their bid to retain Premier League status.

Under the guidance of Daniel Farke, the Whites are aiming to beat the odds and avoid an immediate return to the Championship — a feat that has become increasingly difficult for promoted sides in recent years.

In fact, over the past two seasons, every team that had secured promotion to the top flight eventually suffered relegation. It’s a daunting trend that Leeds will be hoping to buck in the 2025/26 campaign.

Last season, Leeds were dominant in the Championship, finishing top of the table with an impressive 100 points while losing only four matches all season.

That commanding form earned them promotion and reaffirmed Farke’s credentials as a top-level manager.

Now, however, the focus is on assembling a squad that can not only compete but also survive in the Premier League — a step up in intensity and quality.

While Farke will be expecting his current crop of players to raise their game, Leeds are also actively pursuing reinforcements in the transfer market.

One key area they are targeting for improvement is the midfield, where they want to add more dynamism, creativity, and defensive stability.

Although Farke already has dependable midfielders like Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev at his disposal, the club is aiming to further enhance the quality and depth of that department.

The goal is to strengthen beyond players like Brenden Aaronson, who has been inconsistent at Premier League level.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds have placed young Belgian talent Noah Sadiki on their list of potential midfield signings.

However, another more high-profile target appears to be emerging in the form of Habib Diarra, who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

The Senegalese international is being seriously considered as a player capable of raising the team’s performance in the middle of the park.

Leeds reportedly believe Diarra possesses the attributes to thrive in the Premier League and are acting swiftly to secure his services.

On Tuesday, Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett revealed that Leeds have submitted a formal offer worth £21 million to sign the midfielder.

Diarra could prove to be a transformative signing for the Yorkshire club.

Described by football analyst Ben Mattinson as a “complete midfielder,” the 21-year-old brings versatility, energy, and end product.

Capable of operating in several roles across the midfield, Diarra fits the mould of a “Swiss Army Knife” player, which would grant Farke valuable tactical flexibility throughout the season.

In terms of end product, Diarra contributed four goals and five assists in Ligue 1 last season.

He also showcased his talents on the international stage recently by scoring for Senegal in a match against England, where he made an intelligent run behind the defence and finished clinically.

His combination of leadership and quality has already earned him the captain’s armband at Strasbourg — a remarkable achievement for a player who came through the club’s academy.

That leadership could also prove invaluable in a young Leeds side still adjusting to the Premier League environment.

If Diarra were to replace Brenden Aaronson in the squad, it could represent a significant upgrade.

Aaronson has struggled to deliver in the Premier League, scoring only once and providing three assists across 36 appearances, mostly from central attacking and wide roles.

Even during Leeds’ title-winning Championship campaign, questions remained over Aaronson’s ability to make the step up.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson stated bluntly to Football Insider that Aaronson is “nowhere near Premier League level.”

Statistically, Diarra outperformed Aaronson in several areas last season. He recorded 0.34 goal contributions per 90 minutes compared to Aaronson’s 0.28 and also averaged more ball recoveries per game (3.45 vs. 3.09), underlining his work rate and defensive contribution.

Securing Diarra for around £21 million would be a major coup for Leeds — not just because of his talent, but also for what he represents: a leader, an international, and a player built for Premier League demands.

Only time will tell how successful such a move could be, but the signs are promising. The numbers support it, and for Leeds United, this could be the statement signing that helps anchor their Premier League survival campaign.