Carlos Corberan looking to derail Leeds United plans to sign ‘best player’ at Bundesliga club
Leeds United Strengthen at the Back – Now Eyes Turn to the Attack Amid Franck Honorat Interest
This summer, Leeds United’s strategic focus has been crystal clear — fortifying the defence in preparation for their return to the Premier League. Adam Underwood, the club’s Director of Football Operations, has been working diligently behind the scenes to shore up the backline, and with the imminent arrival of Gabriel Gudmundsson, it seems that mission is largely accomplished.
The club faced immediate defensive setbacks at the end of last season, with Junior Firpo departing as a free agent and Max Wöber securing a move to Werder Bremen. These exits left a significant void in Leeds’ defensive ranks — a gap that has now been addressed with a trio of defensive additions. The Whites have secured the services of Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and soon, Gudmundsson, who is set to join from Lille.
While there remains the possibility of further activity should Sam Byram leave, Leeds appear relatively well-stocked at the back for now. The defensive overhaul has provided manager Daniel Farke with greater squad depth and more reliability across the back four — something that was noticeably lacking at times last season.
Offensive Reinforcements Now the Priority
With defensive matters now under control, attention is turning swiftly toward strengthening the attacking unit. Farke is known to favour a fluid, high-energy attacking style, and to implement that effectively in the Premier League, he will need fresh firepower.
One of his long-standing desires has been to bring in a creative number 10 — a true playmaker to sit behind the striker and unlock defences. Furthermore, it’s widely expected that the club will bring in a new leading striker, someone who can step ahead of Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe in the pecking order. There’s also a notable void on the wings, particularly with Manor Solomon returning to Tottenham after his loan stint ended.
Franck Honorat: A Bundesliga Gem on Leeds’ Radar
One of the names high on Leeds’ wish list this summer is Franck Honorat — a player whose profile has steadily risen in recent years and who is now attracting widespread attention across Europe. However, the race for his signature may not be a straightforward one.
Former Leeds assistant coach Carlos Corberán — now managing Valencia — is reportedly attempting to hijack the move, with the Spanish side said to be keen on snapping up the Borussia Mönchengladbach winger. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Corberán’s side have joined the growing list of suitors, potentially throwing a wrench into Leeds’ plans.
Why Honorat Could Be a Premier League Sleeper Hit
At first glance, Honorat’s career path may not immediately suggest Premier League pedigree. The French winger has played for a string of clubs including Nice, Sochaux, Clermont Foot, Saint-Étienne, Brest, and most recently, Borussia Mönchengladbach. Yet, a deeper dive into his numbers reveals a player who has matured tremendously and is now producing at an elite level.
Despite being hampered by injuries last season, Honorat still managed to contribute directly to 14 goals (five goals and nine assists) in just 21 Bundesliga appearances — a striking return for a wide player. His impact per 90 minutes is even more impressive when you examine his minutes-per-goal or assist across his club career:
Nice (2011–2017): 20 games, 0 goals, 0 assists — a slow start.
Sochaux (Loan, 2016–17): 30 games, 1 goal, 3 assists.
Clermont Foot (Loan, 2017–19): 77 games, 10 goals, 18 assists.
St. Étienne (2018–20): 19 games, 0 goals, 5 assists.
Brest (2020–23): 109 games, 25 goals, 17 assists — real growth.
Gladbach (2023–present): 56 games, 10 goals, 22 assists — a career peak.
These statistics underline his progression into a consistent, dynamic wide attacker. In fact, Foot Mercato went as far as to describe him as Gladbach’s “best player,” an accolade not given lightly.
Where Would He Fit in at Leeds?
With Solomon gone, Leeds are now seeking a high-calibre winger to fill the void on the flanks. However, there’s a slight complication — Honorat has predominantly operated from the right wing during his time in the Bundesliga, which raises questions about positional reshuffling.
If Leeds were to bring Honorat in, he’d either need to transition to the left flank — where he has played less frequently — or one of the club’s current right-sided attackers, such as Dan James or Wilfried Gnonto, would need to shift across. Gnonto, to his credit, has featured on the left for Italy, and could potentially make that adjustment, offering a solution.
Still, this would require tactical adaptation from Farke, especially if he wishes to get the best out of Honorat in his natural role. Should Corberán manage to persuade the player to join him at Valencia instead, Leeds may need to pivot quickly to alternative targets.
Conclusion
With their defensive unit largely reinforced, Leeds United are now entering a critical phase in the summer transfer window. The focus has shifted firmly to adding attacking quality — and Franck Honorat presents a compelling option. A proven chance creator with top-tier output in Germany, he could be the spark Leeds need to thrive in the Premier League.
However, competition for his signature is heating up, and the club must act decisively if they are to win the race. The next few weeks will be telling — not only for Honorat’s future, but for the trajectory of Leeds’ attacking ambitions heading into the new campaign.