“Farke’s own McGinn: Leeds are in talks to sign ‘COMPLETE’ £22m Sensational central midfielder who has potential to be Farke’s own version of John McGinn to bolster their options in the middle of the park. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Leeds United Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Immediate Relegation – Could Habib Diarra Be the Answer?
Recent trends suggest that Leeds United may struggle to avoid relegation in their first season back in the Premier League.
The gap in quality between the Championship and the top flight has been brutally exposed in recent years—over the past two seasons, all six promoted clubs (Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich, Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton Town) were sent straight back down.
Leeds’ 100-point haul in the Championship was a remarkable achievement, but it offers no guarantees at Premier League level. Manager Daniel Farke is well aware of how difficult the transition can be.
His Norwich City side, after winning the Championship in 2018/19, were relegated from the Premier League the following season—while fellow promotees Aston Villa and Sheffield United stayed up.
One of the key figures behind Villa’s successful adaptation was midfielder John McGinn, a player who embodies the kind of attributes needed to thrive in the Premier League.
Why Leeds Need a McGinn-Type Midfielder
Premier League football demands more than just technical skill—it requires players with both athleticism and football intelligence.
John McGinn has exemplified that balance since Villa’s promotion in 2019, becoming a consistent presence with over 200 Premier League appearances.
His contribution of 17 goals and 25 assists shows his ability to influence the game offensively, while his defensive metrics—1.5 tackles and interceptions per game, and 4.1 duels won per match during the 2024/25 season—highlight his effectiveness out of possession.
For Leeds to stand a chance of avoiding the drop, they’ll need players who can match that level of physical and technical output in midfield.
Leeds in Talks for Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra
Leeds may have found their own version of McGinn in Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club is currently in negotiations to sign the 21-year-old, who is highly rated by the Leeds hierarchy.
“They are in negotiations for the player. He’s really appreciated,” Romano told GIVEMESPORT. However, he also noted that the deal is complex due to Strasbourg’s valuation of the player. A £22 million bid from Leeds has already been rejected, per the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Why Diarra Fits the Bill
Diarra has already proven himself in Ligue 1, one of Europe’s top domestic competitions.
According to FBref, his statistical profile is most similar to that of John McGinn among all attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues—highlighting how he could bring the same dynamism to Elland Road that McGinn brought to Villa Park.
The Senegal international is a complete midfielder. In the 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign, he stood out for his contributions in both phases of play—breaking up opposition moves while also providing attacking output.
Diarra even found the net against England in an international match this June, further underlining his growing reputation.
Analyst Ben Mattinson described the youngster as a “complete” midfielder—someone who can defend, win duels, and also influence the game in the final third.
With Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Ao Tanaka yet to fully prove themselves at Premier League level, Diarra could provide the quality and balance Leeds are missing.
A Crucial Signing for Survival?
If Leeds want to buck the recent trend of instant relegation, players like Diarra—who offer both grit and guile—will be essential. At just 21, he has the tools to make an immediate impact and the potential to grow into a Premier League star.
With the new season fast approaching, Leeds will hope their pursuit of Diarra bears fruit—because finding their own John McGinn could be the difference between survival and another swift return to the Championship
