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Tom Coates

Who is Moses Simon? The Leeds United-linked winger described as a 'delight to watch' profiled

Speculation is persistent when the end of the January window nears and although Leeds United have not yet made a foray into the market for a senior player, they are still being linked with names.

The latest to emerge as a rumoured target is Nantes winger Moses Simon, who journalist Ignazio Genuardi claims the Whites have made an approach for.

Leeds are relatively well-stocked out wide, boasting Raphinha, Jack Harrison, Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville as options.

However, the latter has been linked with a loan move away from Elland Road and it would be logical to plug the gap if he did leave on a temporary basis.

LeedsLive have assessed Simon and how he could fit in under Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa.

What has he done so far?

A product of Ajax's esteemed youth academy, Simon burst on to the scene in Slovakia with AS Trencin, scoring 17 goals in 38 appearances.

His form led to links with an array of Premier League clubs but he left AS Trencin for Gent, who he helped win the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Super Cup in 2015.

He then joined Levante in Spain but was not used quite as regularly and joined French outfit Nantes, initially on loan, before signing a permanent deal.

At international level, he represents Nigeria and was part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2022 African Cup of Nations.

Why would Leeds want him?

Bielsa's squad has already been stretched to its limit and reducing the size of the squad in the January window would be a bizarre move.

However, there is logic behind a desire for Summerville to play senior football and if a deal could be struck with a new winger, all parties could benefit.

He is a winger that can operate on either flank but can also play as a forward, which would be of use to Bielsa when his attacking options are depleted.

Blessed with blistering pace, he is renowned for his energy and Leeds have a penchant for signing attacking players who can also contribute defensively.

What has been said about him?

Former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr admitted that during his time in charge of the Super Eagles, there were calls for Simon to be dropped from the squad.

However, speaking on Canal Plus TV, as transcribed by Today, he said:

When I was coach, a lot of people wanted me to drop him, but he is very important to my team.

"He puts the team first and plays for all with ease. I love his attitude on the pitch and he’s a perfect gentleman off the pitch. I never doubted him."

His former Nantes head coach Christian Gourcuff described Simon as a 'delight to watch' back in 2019.

As reported by Score Nigeria, he said: "He is a delight to watch, he has an all-round attitude with a positive spirit.

"He works very hard for the team and is always looking out to make passes to others in better positions to score. That is the good part of his game many don’t appreciate."

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