As previously reported, Leeds United have agreed to sign Nadiem Amiri from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee believed to be in the region of €6m with additional add-ons. Despite the 26-year-old preferring a move to Ligue 1 in order to play for Marseille, Amiri is set to sign a four-year deal with the Championship club.
It appears that Daniel Farke has been able to work his magic once again and convince the five-time German international to light up Elland Road with his wizardry and artistry for the foreseeable future. It is a signing that could prove to be a match made in heaven.
In Ethan Ampadu the Yorkshire-based club have the perfect defensive foil for Amiri’s creative instincts. A player who can almost reflect the work done by Leverkusen’s anchorman Robert Andrich, Ampadu will be able to cover Amiri’s defensive duties – even if the 26-year-old is not one to shy away from a tackle.
While young Archie Gray, who graces a football pitch like a seasoned veteran despite his tender age, provides a calm and composed head to the Leeds midfield. This will, in turn, allow Amiri to ply his trade at the top of the midfield triangle.
Here the German will act as the focal point for Leeds’ attacks where he will be able to feed the willing runners of Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Daniel James. With their electrifying pace, Amiri’s duty of unleashing them in and behind the unwilling Championship defences could make Leeds a force to be reckoned with.
Far from an efficient or prolific goalscorer, the soon-to-be returning Patrick Bamford or the up-and-coming Joe Gelhardt can take the mantle of being the player to thrive from Amiri’s genius. A true number ten – that can also shine across the midfield – Leeds may have finally found the heir to Pablo Hernández’s throne.
A player of sheer elegance and creativity, with the ball at his feet, there are not many players better in the Bundesliga. If he can transfer what he has displayed in Germany’s top flight for the past nine years, then there is no reason why Amiri can not be a fan favourite at Elland Road.
GGFN | Will Shopland
