Last week, we covered a story in France about Baghdad Bounedjah and long standing interest from Marcelo Bielsa in the Algerian forward.
Scoring seven goals in one game back in August, the 25-year-old is currently the top scorer in the league with 26 in 13 (according to FIFA’s website), which has, unsurprisingly, attracted a lot of interest.
The information came from a France Football journalist, who stated Leeds were still keen on the goalscorer, having tried to sign him in the summer.
It appears the news was true as the player was asked about interest from other clubs by Qatari station Al Kass, relayed by Le Buteur.
He confirmed: “I did receive offers and Al Sadd’s board took notice. If the club accepts to let me go, I will, but if they don’t and want to keep me, then I’ll stay.”
This is good news for Leeds going into the January transfer window, although what Bounedjah said might be a stumbling block.
He continued: “There’s still two games before the transfer window. I’d rather focus on those and think about my future afterwards. If an offer from a European club that’s better than Al Sadd comes through, I’ll leave, but if it’s a mediocre club that wants me, I’ll remain in Qatar.”
Now the question here is where Leeds place in Baghdad Bounedjah’s ranking of European clubs and if he feels the Championship (in a club looking to battle for promotion) is beneath him or not.
A lot could fall on Marcelo Bielsa and how well he sells Leeds’ project to the striker if an offer is made.
What’s interesting in all this is that both Al Sadd and Aspire Academy (who have an official partnership with the Elland Road club) are both chaired by Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Could this be a case of Bounedjah using Leeds and their clear link with the Qatari club as a stepping stone for a bigger career in European football?
If it allows the Championship club to make a profit down the line, why not?
