Leeds United have continually been linked with the striker Baghdad Bounedjah in recent months. The Algerian international was first linked back in July. The report, from L’Expression, suggested that Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa had previously wanted him at Lille and continued that interest.
France Football recently reported that interest was withstanding. They suggested a £4.5 million battle with Marseille was looming for January.
The story grabbed the imagination of many due to Bounedjah’s near-mythical goal-scoring record. Despite not being a household name in West Yorkshire, his incredible scoring record had fans wondering if Leeds were about to unearth a gem.
Bounedjah, as reported by the BBC, scored 58 goals this calendar year, more than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane.
Now, however, the stories can be put to bed before 2019 gets rolling.
Bounedjah is clearly happy where he is. The Algerian is paid well in Qatar with his club al Sadd, where he calls Xavi a team-mate. Clearly, that has helped him come to the conclusion he is best off staying in the Middle East.
He has signed a new deal until 2024, telling the club’s official website he was ‘happy with the project’ in Qatar.
Leeds United’s mythical transfer target is now off the table and the club can start to focus on the more localised players they are going to need to pull off Premier League promotion.