Report: Leeds Target Aggressive Premier League Player Who Shares Agent with Georginio Rutter

Leeds United is cutting it close as the transfer window nears its end, leaving many puzzled given the quality players they’ve lost this summer and the seeming lack of urgency in reinforcing the squad.

Daniel Farke’s team is set to face Sheffield Wednesday in just two days, yet the underwhelming performance in the final third during their recent match against West Brom indicates that reinforcements should have been secured by now.

Farke has publicly stated his desire to strengthen the squad in several areas, including a new full-back, a box-to-box central midfielder, and two attackers.

These needs have been apparent for over a month, yet progress has been slow.

The only midfielder Leeds has been publicly linked to is FC Koln’s Dejan Ljubicic. While the player is keen on the move, Leeds has yet to return with a second bid after their initial offer.

There is also interest in Manchester United’s young midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, according to the Daily Mail (Wednesday 21 August, page 61).

However, Leeds faces competition from Championship rivals Burnley, who are currently leading the race to sign him, as he doesn’t appear to be in Erik ten Hag’s plans at Manchester United.

Interestingly, Hannibal shares the same representatives as Georginio Rutter, the former Leeds player who recently left for Brighton.

Leeds had criticized Rutter for being “persistent and adamant” in his determination to leave, which could make negotiations for Hannibal quite intriguing if they attempt to outmaneuver Burnley.

Hannibal is known for his aggressive style of play, which became evident early in his career. During a brief appearance off the bench in a 4-0 defeat against Liverpool, he gained a reputation for his intensity.

This trait was further highlighted during his loan spell at Birmingham City, where his manager John Eustace had to caution him about controlling his aggression.

Despite this, Hannibal’s style could endear him to the Leeds crowd—provided he doesn’t cross the line.

Speaking about his time at Birmingham, Eustace recalled: “I was contemplating bringing him [Hannibal] off at half-time, to be honest.

I spoke to him and the staff, and he assured me he’d be OK. That lasted about four minutes.”

Eustace added, “It’s something we have to monitor. He plays on the edge, and that’s what makes him so good—a top player.

I won’t stop him from doing what he does, but he needs to manage the game better at times.

He didn’t get sent off, so it doesn’t matter to me, but he was running the risk, and that’s why I took him off.

On another day, he might have been sent off, and when he made that tackle, I knew I had to get him off.”

Leeds’ interest in Hannibal signals their continued search for midfield reinforcements, but the clock is ticking as they scramble to finalize their squad before the transfer window closes.