Midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté has revealed what went wrong with his apparent move to Leeds United, after a deal taking him to Elland Road collapsed.
WIW Sport cover comments from the free agent today in which he reveals all about his failed move and his ongoing search for a new club.
Kouyaté has been a free agent since the summer after leaving Nottingham Forest after joining them on a free from Crystal Palace in 2022. He had also previously enjoyed a four-year spell with West Ham after moving from Anderlecht in 2014.
He had appeared to be on course to join Leeds United in the Championship, with reports back in October explaining that Daniel Farke’s side were looking into the idea.
It was later reported that a medical had been booked for the 35-year-old, but the deal never went through and Leeds eventually signed Joshua Guilavogui on a free transfer instead.
It was never truly explained why Kouyaté’s proposed move never came to fruition, with claims varying from issues in the medical to his financial demands. He’s now clarified what went on with his latest comments, although he doesn’t name-check Leeds specifically.
“I was informed on a Friday that I was injured during the medical,” he said TFM’s Quartier Général program.
“I immediately contacted a very competent doctor in England for a second opinion. Two of us underwent medical tests, along with Papy Djilobodji.
“I took the tests again on Tuesday, and this time, everything was fine. But in the end, I was told that the other player had been accepted. I thank God. I don’t want to join a club just to get back on track. Respect is earned.
“I’m fine, I’m with my family, and I’m still working. I hope to find a club where I can have peace of mind.”
