Midfielder Olivier Dacourt broke the club's transfer record when he joined the Whites from Lens in a £7.2 million move in 2000, a signing which signalled to the Premiership that big money was waiting to be spent at Elland Road. His combative presence in the engine room proved a vital cog in the side which stunned Europe and reached the Champions League semi-final in 2000-01.His form at Leeds also saw Dacourt become a regular for the French national side. READ MORE: Nigel Martyn - Memories of a Leeds United number 1
1. Olivier Dacourt in focus
Olivier Dacourt receives a red card during the Champions League qualifying round first leg match against TSV 1860 Munich at Elland Road in August 2000. Leeds won 2-1. Photo: Getty
2. Olivier Dacourt in focus
Olivier Dacourt celebrates scoring against Middlesbrough at the Riverside with Lee Bowyer during the FA Carling Premier League clash in August 2000. Leeds won 2-1. Photo: Getty
3. Olivier Dacourt in focus
Olivier Dacourt celebrates opening the scoring during the FA Carling Premiership match against Newcastle United at St James's Park in December 2000. The Whites lost 2-1. Photo: Getty
4. Olivier Dacourt in focus
Lazio's Diego Simeone is felled by Olivier Dacourt during the UEFA Champions League clash at the Stadio Olympico in December 2000. Photo: Getty
5. Oliver Dacourt in focus
Olivier Dacourt gets the better of West Ham United's John Moncur despite being pulled back during the FA Barclaycard Premiership clash at Upton Park in August 2001. Photo: Getty
6. Olivier Dacourt in focus
Chelsea's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink holds off Olivier Dacourt during the Worthington Cup fourth round clash at Elland Road in November 2001. Photo: Getty