£8 million Ex-West Ham midfielder close to join Championship side
- Cheikou Kouyate joined West Ham in a £8 million move and played four seasons at the club.
- Kouyate is close to join Championship side Leeds United on a free transfer.
Since arriving at West Ham from Belgian Champions Anderlecht in a £8 million transfer move in 2014, Cheikhou Kouyate has been an integral part of the West Ham midfield for the next four seasons. Initially expected to become his compatriot Mohamed Diame's replacement in the middle of the park, Kouyate displayed his capabilities as a holding midfielder and also played as a double pivot alongside Hammers legend Mark Noble in his debut season at the London Stadium.
Kouyate's rock-solid defending coupled with his decent finishing allowed West Ham to consistently dominate the ball possession in the Premier League. Before joining Crystal Palace in 2018, Kouyate made a total of 147 appearances for the Hammers and registered 23 goal contributions for West Ham. The Senegal international spent four years at Crystal Palace and later played two seasons for Nottingham Forest as well before leaving on a free transfer at the end of the last season.
£8 million Ex-West Ham midfielder close to join Championship side
Now, the 34-year-old midfielder could join Championship side Leeds United on a free transfer, with manager Daniel Farke being a huge admirer of his quality. According to TeamTalk, Kouyate could sign a short-term first team contract with Leeds to provide more balance and depth to their squad. Leeds are currently fifth in the Championship and their pursuit to sign Kouyate highlights their ambition to return to the Premier League next season, after their relegation in 2023.
Next. 3 players to make the most appearances for both West Ham and Tottenham Hotspurs. 3 players to make the most appearances for both West Ham and Tottenham Hotspurs. dark
With ten years of Premier League experience and a wide range of passing and defending ability, Kouyate can still play a few seasons in the Premier League as well. Thus, this transfer move could be an important signing for Daniel Farke's side for both their Championship campaign and the next season as well, if they achieve promotion to the Premier League. Now, it remains to be seen whether Kouyate replicates his West Ham form at Leeds United as well this season.
feed