Leeds United ‘interested’ in Moroccan World Cup star but face ‘competition’ from Fiorentina, Real Betis & Lyon

The quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup are here which means the tournament is fast approaching its conclusion and the return of domestic football is getting closer.

Leeds United supporters will be back in the stands when Manchester City visit Elland Road on December 28 in what will be their first of two matches before the January transfer window opens. It’s looking like it could be an active one for the Yorkshire club as head coach Jesse Marasch and his recruitment team not only look to bring in reinforcements for the second half of the campaign but also aim to keep hold of their current stars.

The latest player to be linked with a move to the Premier League club is Morocco international Abdelhamid Sabiri who has been a key part in his countries incredible run to the last eight of the World Cup. Sabiri, who plays his club football in Italy for Sampdoria, is also understood to be on the radar of fellow Serie A side Fiorentina, La Liga outfit Real Betis and French giants Lyon.

The news comes from HITC, who reference reports from website Samp News 24, that Leeds are keen on the attacking midfielder. However, it looks like Fiorentina may already have a headstart in the race to sign the 26-year old having already submitted at bid of a €5 million as well as Sampdoria’s choice of Szymon Zurkowski, Marco Benassi or Youssef Maleh as a replacement.

Despite the offer, it looks like I Blucerchiati are holding out for a fee double what was offered but their league rivals in the region of €10 million. Those figures suggest a bid in the region of £9 million could be enough to bring the player to Elland Road in January.

Sabiri has been one of Morocco’s stand out performers at the tournament so far having featured in all four of their matches. He came on as an 82nd minute substitute in the 0-0 draw with Spain and was first up to take a penalty kick in the shoot-out which he scored helping his country to a 3-0 win.