Leeds United have reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Jean-Matteo Bahoya on a loan deal that includes a permanent element. The move would strengthen Leeds’ attacking options as the club continues to reshape its squad, while Wilfried Gnonto is in Florence completing his transfer to Fiorentina.
Bahoya is a 21-year-old French youth international whose pace and dribbling ability have attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. He has been recorded at more than 37 km/h, making him one of the fastest players in Bundesliga history since speed tracking began. His direct style has also drawn praise from teammates, with Junior Dina Ebimbe highlighting Bahoya’s explosive first step and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
The winger’s statistical profile has contributed to the interest surrounding him. Only two Bundesliga players have reportedly recorded more successful dribbles than Bahoya, while his volume of completed take-ons compares favourably with most Premier League attackers. He has contributed three goals and one assist in 18 appearances this season, despite the transfer speculation surrounding his future.
Leeds’ agreement comes after interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Tottenham had contacted Bahoya’s representatives while considering attacking alternatives, and Arsenal had also monitored his development. Roma viewed him as a possible alternative to other targets, although valuation differences complicated the wider market for the player. Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly placed a value of up to €70 million on Bahoya, while other estimates have placed his worth closer to €25 million. His contract with the German club runs until 2029.
The proposed loan-to-buy structure gives Leeds the opportunity to assess Bahoya in English football before committing to a permanent transfer. His pace would provide the team with a direct attacking outlet capable of stretching defensive lines and creating space for teammates. He could also bring greater variety to Leeds’ transition play, particularly when the team wins possession in deeper areas.
The deal is developing alongside Gnonto’s move to Fiorentina. The Italian club are now preparing to complete the transfer after the winger spent the past day in Florence. Gnonto’s departure would create additional room in Leeds’ forward group and allow Bahoya to compete for a prominent role.
Leeds have also strengthened other areas of the squad during the transfer window, including the club-record signing of goalkeeper James Trafford and their pursuit of Michael Zetterer as additional goalkeeping cover. The proposed arrival of Bahoya reflects the same broader strategy: adding young players with significant technical and physical potential while building enough depth to compete in the Premier League.
The agreement with Frankfurt still requires the final formal steps before Bahoya’s move can be completed. If those procedures are concluded, Leeds will have secured a fast, attack-minded winger who has already attracted attention from several major European clubs.
