, Leeds United and 5 things about Hadi Sacko

Leeds United and 5 things about Hadi Sacko

Last season, no player divided fan opinion at Leeds United more so that young Frenchman Hadi Sacko, the loanee from Portuguese club Sporting with a supposed €60 million release clause on his head.

Fans saw the positives that the youngster brought to the side, such as searing pace and the natural ability to run at defenders and force them onto the back foot – making them feel a little less comfortable.

However, there were also things that frustrated the hell out of these Leeds United fans about Sacko. They bemoaned the fact that once in shooting situations, his accuracy and decision-making went to pot. Fans also pointed out that his final ball and linked decision-making was also more than a little errant at times.

Whilst there are doubts about Sacko, there is also hope that his deficiencies could be ‘coached out’ and that the new Leeds United head coach/manager will be able to polish what many see as a rough gem.

Five Things Hadi Sacko

1. Sacko was born in the Paris suburb of Corbeil-Essones, which is 28.3km from the centre of Paris itself. He is of Malian heritage but chose instead to represent the country of his birth rather than the country of his ancestry. Since appearing for the French Under-16s in 2010, Sacko has played 25 times for France up to Under-20 level – scoring 25 goals and providing six assists in total.

2. After playing youth football for Corbeil-Essonne and Brétigny Foot, Sacko was picked up by Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, moving from their B side to the first team squad at the start of July 2012. He was sent out on loan to Le Havre, before Sporting Lisbon signed him up at the end of August 2014. He was loaned back to France and Ligue 2 side FC Socuhaux at the start of February 2016 before heading out on loan to Leeds United for the duration of the 2016/17 Championship campaign.

3. Over his entire career, here are his appearances and returns.

  • Sporting Lisbon: four appearances
  • Sporting Lisbon B: 54 appearances, 10 goals, five assists
  • Leeds United: 42 appearances, two goals, four assists
  • Bordeaux: 23 appearances
  • Le Havre: 18 appearances, four goals, three assists
  • Sochaux: 14 appearances, two goals, one assist

4. Sacko had an eye-watering €60 million release clause written into his Sporting Lisbon contract, although that is standard practice to protect investments and put off circling football vultures. However, Portuguese media publication Record say that Leeds have activated a much lower release clause of just €2 million (£1.7 million) in the youngster’s loan contract supposedly meaning that Hadi Sacko will be a Leeds United player next season.

5. Hadi Sacko stats for Leeds United across their 2016/17 Championship campaign

  • 38 appearances (28 starts/10 subbed in)
  • 67 completed dribbles (led the team)
  • 36 shots (20 off target, 2 hit post, 7 on target, 9 blocked)
  • 622 pass attempts (497 completed – 80% accuracy)
  • 27 ‘key passes’ that create a chance (5.4% of completed passes lead to chance)
  • 2 goals and 4 assists
  • Defensive actions: 46 tackles, 13 interceptions, 10 clearances, 24 blocks
With news that Leeds United have activated a purchase clause for Hadi Sacko, what do you think? Masterstroke or disaster stroke?
 
Stats derived from Hadi Sacko player page ‘detailed’ tab on WhoScored.com
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