Leeds failed in a £6 million deadline day bid for Moroccan playmaker; Farke is interested in his own Pablo Hernandez, who scored 14 goals last season.

Leeds United’s late deadline day bid to buy Illias Chair was unsuccessful, despite Daniel Farke’s side matching QPR’s £6 million valuation of the Moroccan international playmaker.

The Whites have just had a chaotic summer transfer window slam shut. With Leeds said goodbye to several players from last season, many of whom went on loan, there was still time for some last-minute drama owing to Luis Sinisterra’s departure to Bournemouth. In exchange for his departure, Leeds has signed Cherries winger Jaidon Anthony, though the agreement is still subject to a medical.

Leeds have completed nine new signings in total, including Anthony, and have perhaps one of the most comprehensive squads in the Championship. To be sure, there are some gaps; their failure to sign a new left-back, along with the lack of a creative midfielder, leaves Farke with some issues to work out.

Leeds did, in fact, try to bring in another new recruit on deadline day in the form of promising Morocco playmaker Chair.

The 12-cap offensive midfielder is the standout performer for Championship rivals QPR. After joining the club as a trialist in 2017, the now 25-year-old has grown into one of the division’s top playmakers.

Leeds is also capable of playing off the wing, according to reports.

However, QPR ultimately opted not to accept Leeds’ offer since it came too late in the window for them to find a replacement.

Chair move too late in the day for Leeds

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will rekindle their interest in Chair during the January transfer window. Leicester were also said to be interested in his signature but held off on making a move.

The playmaker would have been an ideal addition for Leeds, who have been without a clear center playmaker since Pablo Hernandez’s departure at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Chair had five goals and nine assists in 40 games last season. He may have developed his game to the next level if he had been surrounded by superior players, such as at Leeds.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, and while Leeds did add Illia Gruev, Glen Kamara, and Ethan Ampadu to their midfield, the trio is not recognized for their goals or inventiveness.

Leeds do have Georginio Rutter, who can play as a 10, and another new arrival, Joel Piroe, did drop deeper on his debut last week against Ipswich.