'Deal sealed' - Fabrizio Romano issues update on Leeds United, Chelsea and Manchester United-linked man
Leeds United, Chelsea and Manchester United-linked defender reportedly closing in on move
Leeds United-linked defender Abubakar Sidi Kinteh is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli.
The 19-year-old has made impressive strides in Norway with Tromsø IL, establishimg himself as one of the club’s key figures at a young age.
He has also moved into the Gambia senior set-up as his swift development has continued to fuel talk of a high-profile move.
‘Deal sealed’ for Leeds United-linkeed defender
The Whites were said to be among the clubs with an eye on Sidi Kinteh, but he now appears set for a fresh start in the Middle East.
Posting on X, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said: “Al-Ahli have agreed [a] deal to sign Abubakar Sidi Kinteh, beating European clubs to the signing. Player now on his way to Lisbon to undergo his medical before completing a five-year contract with the club, travelling with his agent Cherno Samba. Deal sealed.”
Leeds United links to centre-backs
It is still early days in the summer transfer window and Sidi Kinteh is far from the only centre-back to have been linked with Leeds United.
There has been talk of interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, as well as Union Berlin man Diogo Leite and Parma’s Mariano Troilo.
Reports of interest in central defenders have emerged amid uncertainty over the future of Pascal Struijk, who is entering the final year of his contract at Elland Road.
The 26-year-old has spent the last eight years in West Yorkshire, but has been reported as a potential target for a raft of Premier League clubs. If he does not commit to a new deal - and Leeds do not sell - he could walk away for free next year.