Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has indicated that new signing Jean-Matteo Bahoya will not be rushed into Premier League action as the club continues to prepare the winger for the demands of English football. The 21-year-old Bahoya joined Leeds on a season-long loan from Eintracht Frankfurt, with an option to make the move permanent for £24 million.

Despite his reputation for exceptional speed, including recording the fastest sprint in the Bundesliga during the 2024-25 season at 37.16 kilometers per hour (over 23 miles per hour), Bahoya has yet to make his debut for Leeds. Farke emphasized that while the player’s pace is impressive, it alone is not sufficient for success at the top level.

“Of course, he is still very young and we need to prepare him physically,” Farke said. “He has unbelievable pace, but just pace is not enough for a football player.”

Farke also noted the physical differences between leagues, saying the English game is more demanding in terms of intensity and physicality compared to Germany and France, where Bahoya has previously played. He stressed that the coaching staff’s focus is on developing the winger’s all-around game and physical stability before introducing him into competitive matches.

“He’s a top guy, I have to say, but in Germany and France it’s slightly different. Here it’s more physical, more intense,” Farke said. “I know everyone is excited about the new signing and this good-looking young fella, but my job is not to be driven by the emotions. I need to throw him into the water when I get the feeling he can swim.”

Bahoya is one of several summer signings yet to appear under Farke’s management, reflecting the club’s measured approach in integrating new players as Leeds United aim to strengthen their squad for the Premier League campaign.