Lewis O’Brien is considering a switch to Leeds United in this window, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side needs to negotiate a fee with Huddersfield Town.
According to Football Insider, Leeds United have received a positive response from potential target Lewis O’Brien who remains keen on joining the Premier League side. The Yorkshire-based club will now have to negotiate with Huddersfield Town over the terms of the deal.
Marcelo Bielsa is aiming for a better finish in the Premier League than last season, and to achieve it, crucial moves in the transfer window are necessary for Leeds United. The Argentine tactician is not looking at wholesale movements but few important ones to fill voids in the squad. Hence, there are few squad areas that are considered vital this summer.
Left-back is an important area after the departure of Ezgjan Alioski, and Hibernian’s young star Josh Doig is firmly in sight. Central midfield is another important position Bielsa wants reinforcements for, as the club remain linked with several options. Conor Gallager was Leeds’ top choice, who tried their hand to get him on loan, but the former West Brom loanee has decided to stay in London and join Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace for this season.
Manchester City’s Yangel Herrera also interests the club, but the 23-year-old Venezuelan is more in the defensive mould. He could be a cover option for the likes of Kalvin Phillips if a move goes through. Bielsa is also on the lookout for a midfielder with an attacking mindset, and Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien fit the criteria.
The 22-year-old has gained decent experience playing in the Championship with the Terriers, playing 80 times, while his loan move to League 1 side, Bradford City, yielded 40 games. The midfielder would like an upgrade to his playing conditions, and Leeds could be appealing enough for an imminent switch.
Leeds have already contacted Huddersfield for the midfielder. Now O’Brien has reportedly indicated his willingness to join Bielsa’s side for the forthcoming season. The Whites’ manager will certainly be enticed by the five goals and seven assists O’Brien delivered during his time with the Terriers as he looks for more contributions from midfield.
O’Brien has a year left on his current deal, and there have been no indications about a renewal. Leeds are willing to negotiate a price and believe he could be available for a lower fee. Signing him would provide enough cover for current midfielders heading into the new season.
If signed, O’Brien will not immediately be thrust into the first-team action, at least for the first few months. Bielsa would potentially like to analyse and develop his qualities to suit his style and integrate him slowly. Under the Argentine manager, the Englishman could become a good player for the future and make his mark in the Premier League.
