Early this morning news started to filter through, via Portuguese publication Record, that Leeds United had exercised a £1.7 million purchase option for French youngster Hadi Sacko.
Sacko arrived at Leeds United on a season-long loan from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, first featuring for the Whites on the club’s pre-season tour of Ireland. It was blatantly obvious from the start that he could move, and move quickly too.
The 23-year-old French youngster made 38 Sky Bet Championship appearances for Leeds United during their 2016/17 campaign – scoring twice and setting up four assists for teammates. His speed on the ball was also evident in the team-leading 67 successful dribbles that he completed last season.
There are elements of the youngster’s game that are frustrating for Leeds supporters, such as his at-times wayward shooting and final ball decision-making, but these are elements of his game that many hope can be coached and honed, making the young speedster somewhat of a bargain buy at £1.7 million.
With this news, Leeds United fans have taken to Twitter to air their views on this subject.
Leeds fans react to Sacko ‘signing’ news
Most fans are of the opinion that this is a good move by the club, that bringing in Sacko on a permanent basis for a relatively low price represents good business sense by the club.
It sounds like Sacko will be signing on. Enthusiasm to learn and passionate about playing for the club. Plenty room for improvement. #lufc
— Nathan (@hank_lufc) May 28, 2017
The following Leeds fan acknowledges the weaker aspects of Sacko’s game, and draws a salient point about the criticism coming from certain quarters as to where said criticism is levelled.
Sacko had a great first season. Sure, he has aspects to work on as do all our youngsters. But since he's not 'academy' people slate.. #lufc
— James Gill (@jgill1986) May 28, 2017
But the general opinion is that Sacko can ‘do a job’ for Leeds United – views such as those laid out below.
https://twitter.com/themightyleeds/status/868752359681294336
Sacko is a decent squad player. Bags of pace and hard working, just needs to work on his final ball / composure
— White Knight LUFC (@WhiteKnightLUFC) May 28, 2017
Signing sacko good idea full stop #lufc #mot #alaw
— MD✗ (@mdx17lufc) May 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/liammkirby/status/868794600206585861
But it isn’t all roses in the Leeds United fan camp when it comes to appraising Sacko and his skill set. There are those who do not see him as part of the fabric of the side going forward.
https://twitter.com/LucasMonk_/status/868770402809597952
https://twitter.com/loveleedsh8ken/status/868770827046617091
https://twitter.com/LeedsVlog/status/868829432643022848
I'll be honest, I wouldn't go to the bottom of the street for Sacko never mind spend 1.7million on him.
— MV (@mat_vickerslufc) May 28, 2017
Why are we even considering paying over a million pounds for Hadi Sacko???
— Josh Coop (@Josh_coop14) May 28, 2017