Leeds made an offer of £8,75m for the speed machine in the summer, and he was keen to join the club, who have been flying high this season.
Leeds United were a serious contender for Joseph Paintsil’s signature last summer, with The 49ers even tracking the Genk speedster – but the 25-year-old stayed put and has since been in imperturbable form for the Belgian champions this season.
According to The Athletic, Paintsil was heavily linked with a move to the Elland Road club in the summer, despite a swap agreement with Southampton involving Paul Onuachu.
Leeds made an offer of £8.75 million, but it did not materialise.
Then Phil Hay reported that a deal for the Ghana star “came to a grinding halt” due to negotiations over Paintsil’s bonuses with Genk, delaying the transfer to Leeds.
Since then, the 22-year-old has been in imperturbable form for Genk, scoring nine goals in his 21 games for the Belgian outfit. He has also assisted five times and laid on four more.
The player’s contract is set to expire in 2026.
Leeds make a move for Genk’s Joseph Paintsil
So, should Leeds make a move?
It’s hard to say at this stage. It’s not clear if the issues that prevented a move last summer are resolved and would allow a transfer to go ahead.
Leeds also have plenty of options out wide at the moment.
Willy Gnotta has been linked with a summer switch to Lazio and Cree Summerville is also attracting interest.
Jaidon Anthony is on loan at the moment but could leave in the near future.
Ian Poveda could leave in January and Paintsil wanted to join us last summer.
We’ll have to wait and see if that interest re-emerges.
For now, Leeds are well-stocked out wide.
Paintsil would be an excellent addition to the squad, but only if it comes as a replacement for someone else.
