Leeds United are set to secure the services of a well-known former West Ham player, available on a free transfer, which means he can be registered immediately.
Daniel Farke’s team has been hit hard by injuries to key midfielders Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, both of whom are side-lined until late in the season. In response, Leeds have opted for a creative solution to fill the gap by turning to former Hammer Cheikhou Kouyaté.
The 34-year-old is expected to sign a short-term deal over the weekend, marking his fourth stint in English football after playing for Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Kouyaté, who joined West Ham under Sam Allardyce before Slaven Bilic’s reign, holds a special place in the hearts of Hammers fans. He is fondly remembered for his spirited rendition of the ‘Payet Song’ at the club’s Hammer of the Year awards during their final season at Upton Park.
Notably, Kouyaté etched his name in West Ham’s history by scoring the club’s first-competitive goal at the London Stadium in the eighth minute of a Europa League clash against NK Domžale.