Leeds United has the option to bring in some new faces over the next weeks.
PSV has signed Couhaib Driouech, who was previously connected with Leeds United.
The 22-year-old winger has joined the Eredivisie side from Excelsior on a permanent basis, signing a five-year contract until 2029. He is the Dutch giants’ second signing of the summer, following their league title victory under Peter Bosz.
Earnest Stewart, PSV’s Director of Football Affairs, stated: “It is a player with many qualities.” Because of his pace and technique, he can generate and convert chances. He demonstrated at Excelsior Rotterdam that he can execute under duress while still leaving his imprint on matches. “I’m glad it worked out.” Driouech himself has stated, “I am really thrilled to be here and to wear the PSV shirt. It’s an honor for me to be allowed to play here. I was on vacation with Ismael Saibari last week, and he said I’d be insane not to come.”
According to the Dutch news outlet ED Nieuws, Leeds were interested in luring the attacker to England.
Under Daniel Farke, they will look to sign fresh players this summer. La Liga heavyweights Sevilla were reportedly said to be interested. According to BBC Sport, fellow Championship side Swansea City was also interested in him and considered a deal in January. However, nothing happened in the end.
Both the Whites and the Swans now have to chase other prospective targets in the coming weeks, following his completed transfer to PSV.
Leeds could have regarded Driouech as a way to add competition and depth to their offensive lineup. With Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto, and Dan James remaining at the club, he may have difficult to break into the starting lineup in West Yorkshire.
The Netherlands-born player represents Morocco on a national level and has appeared for their Under-23 team in the hopes of breaking into their senior team soon. He began his career at Heerenveen and rose through the academy ranks.
Driouech was a regular at several juvenile levels before breaking into the main team as a teenager in 2020.
Excelsior then tempted him away in 2021, and he has been a major player at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion over the last three seasons.
He made 101 appearances for them in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and assisting 16 times. However, they were relegated to the second tier this season after losing the relegation play-off.
Driouech has been considering his options recently, and while Leeds and Swansea have been mooted as potential destinations, he has decided to join PSV.
The Whites are now being patient in their recruitment efforts and are not rushing into any deals. They have so far signed centre-back Joe Rodon on a permanent basis following his excellent loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur, while academy sensation Alfie Gray is headed in the opposite direction down to North London.
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