Leeds United will try to complete some unfinished transfer business this summer by attempting another move for Huddersfield Town ace Lewis O’Brien, according to TEAMtalk.
The Lowdown: O’Brien profiled
The 23-year-old first joined the Terriers at U11s level and has worked his way up through the ranks, going from an academy product to a regular feature in Carlos Corberan’s starting XI, where he has made 128 senior appearances to date.
The midfielder has played an essential role in the Huddersfield team this season and has helped put them into contention for promotion to the Premier League, after successfully securing a play-off place following a final day 2-0 victory over Bristol City.
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The Latest: Leeds ready to pounce
In a new article published by TEAMtalk, it’s claimed that O’Brien’s future at the club ‘could depend’ on whether the Yorkshire outfit get promoted or not, and it’s understood that Leeds are ‘ready to pounce’ after chasing the maestro at the end of last season.
The source further states that the player does have a release clause in his contract which means that the club could allow him to leave for a fee in the region of £12m.
The Whites are set to face competition for his signature though, with the likes of Wolves, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Brighton, and Southampton also all interested in his services.
The Verdict: Unfinished business
It will be highly unlikely to see O’Brien stay with the Terriers should they fail to make the jump up to the Premier League, and it’s no surprise that Leeds have decided to go back in for their target, especially considering that Marcelo Bielsa was such a fan and tried to sign him during his time working alongside Victor Orta.
The Colchester-born talent, who was once dubbed an “exceptional” player by his manager, has netted three goals and provided three assists in the Championship this season, as per Transfermarkt, and has been one of the standout performers in the second-tier, hence why he is catching the eye of so many potential suitors.
The fact that the £3k-per-week star is Huddersfield’s vice-captain shows that he has plenty of leadership qualities both on the pitch and in the dressing room, and that’s something that the Whites have been lacking this term with Liam Cooper often injured.
We feel Jesse Marsch could make an excellent addition to his ranks here ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season.
In other news… a Leeds United employee has reacted to Luke Ayling’s recent suspension.