'I love the project' - Jean-Mattéo Bahoya lifts lid on Leeds United move and Michael Zetterer friendship
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya has discussed his deadline day move from Eintracht Frankfurt to Leeds United
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya bought into the Leeds United project before completing his deadline day loan move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Nearly two hours on from the closure of the summer transfer window, the 21-year-old winger was unveiled as a new addition to Daniel Farke’s ranks.
He has penned a loan deal containing a conditional obligation to buy, taking the squad spot vacated by Wilfried Gnonto’s switch to Fiorentina.
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya on Leeds United move
In his first interview as a Leeds player, Bahoya told LUTV: “I feel really happy. It is a good step for me because it is a good club in Premier League with crazy fans and a top project. I am just happy to play with these players and I want to play a lot of games here because it is a good project.
“I know they won three times the England championship so it is a big club. I know the fans also. We heard a lot of good things about the fans and the atmosphere in the stadium and the club is in good development. This is why also I come here because I love the project and I just want to be here. A lot of things are good here.
“I spoke with the coach, he has top ideas. He watches football like me and we speak the same language, so it is the best spot for me. England is the best place for a footballer. It is so good because every team have a good player and it is the best championship in the world. I am just excited to play here.
“It was really fast because it was the deadline but now I am good in my head so I can be 100 per cent focused on the pitch.
“And of course, I am so excited. Every player wants to play in Premier League and the best project in the Premier League for me was Leeds.”
Michael Zetterer reunion
The move has reunited Bahoya with his former Frankfurt teammate Michael Zetterer, who left the Bundesliga club for Leeds earlier in the window. He is also familiar with fellow deadline day arrival and compatriot Melvin Bard.
Bahoya said: “I played with him (Zetterer) in Frankfurt. He is a good friend of mine and he helped me. He called me also, said to me a lot of good things about the club and the staff, so he is a good guy for me and like a big brother.
“I also know Melvin. We have a connection because we speak the same language. I play against him in France so I am happy to play with him. It is better when you know some players.”
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya’s speed and style
Much has been made of Bahoya’s pace, largely because he clocked in at a stunning 37.16km/h in a Bundesliga fixture in 2025. This was just 0.42 km/h slower than the average pace of Usain Bolt's world-record 100m run in 2009.
Bahoya said: “It is a good record. I was at 37 so, yes, we can say that I am fast. That is kilometres, of course. Miles it is impossible…
“I prefer to play as left-winger but I can play also right. I am fast, technical, I am good in front the goal so, yes, I have a good quality for this team and I am here to help the team.
“I need to join them and only help them. We just want to keep going this good season because we have a lot of good players so we have the quality to do a top season again.”