Leeds United have been dealt a potential setback in their bid to bring Daichi Kamada to Elland Road in the January transfer window.

What's the latest?

Transfer Focus

In a recent interview with German publication Sport1, the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder revealed that, despite the reported interest of the Whites, he will not be leaving the Bundesliga side until at least the summer of 2023.

However, the Japan international then went on to hint that, as a result of being free to speak to potential new suitors regarding a pre-contract this winter, he could be tempted by a move away from the Deutsche Bank Park at the end of the season.

Regarding his future, the 26-year-old said: "I'm staying in Frankfurt this season. Even if there could be talks with other clubs in winter, I'm not interested in leaving immediately. I've already decided that I want to finish the season with this coach and this team."

Silver lining

While it is undeniable that Kamada's insistence on remaining with Eintracht until at least next summer will have come as a huge blow to both Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch, there is nevertheless something of a silver lining in the playmaker's remarks.

With the Japanese midfielder suggesting that he could enter into talks with a potential new club this January, should Orta manage to convince the 26-year-old of a move to Elland Road on a free next summer, it would certainly represent a huge coup for the club.

Indeed, over his 13 Bundesliga fixtures in 2022/23, the £26.5m-rated talent has been in red-hot form, scoring seven goals, providing three assists and creating two big chances, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots - 0.8 of which have hit the target - making one key pass and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These metrics have seen the player who has been dubbed like "Messi inside the area" average an eye-catching SofaScore match rating of 7.14, not only ranking him as Frankfurt's best-performer in the league but also as the 32nd-best player in the top flight of German top flight as a whole.

The £33k-per-week midfielder has also impressed over his six Champions League fixtures this term, bagging three goals and creating one big chance, as well as averaging an exceptional SofaScore match rating of 7.18 in the competition.

As such, while competition will undoubtedly be fierce for Kamada this winter, it is clear to see that Orta simply must do everything in his power to land the Eintracht sensation, as the 26-year-old would represent a fantastic addition to Marsch's current attacking options at Elland Road - especially on a free transfer.