Leeds United summer transfer target Arnaud Kalimuendo has revealed he never considered a move to the Premier League during the window. Kalimuendo ended up making the switch to Ligue 1 side Rennes from Paris Saint Germain despite interest from Leeds and other top-flight English clubs.
The France U21 international featured on a list of striker targets that Leeds tried and failed to sign during the window. Charles De Ketelaere, Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng were also players the Whites pursued, but for varying reasons none of them ended up at Elland Road.
Those transfer failings could come back to haunt Leeds this season, with Jesse Marsch's side having scored just six goals in their last eight matches. Rennes paid £18 million for the services of Kalimuendo in August and in an interview with L'Equipe, he revealed that they were the only side he wanted to join.
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He said: “There was no other possible decision. I didn’t think of the Premier League (because) I wanted to play here (at Rennes), with players I know. I watched a lot of matches last season, I saw how Martin (Terrier) and (Benjamin) Bourigeaud play and I really like imagining myself with them in the coach’s system.
“A frustration to leave PSG? Not at all. I knew what I wanted (to join). I have always been treated well and I leave there without bitterness. It is a source of pride to have been able to play at the Parc des Princes.
“But I knew it was going to be very hard to play. Progresses comes through the playing time, which I have at Rennes.”
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