Premier League sides Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Leeds United are ready to fight it out for the signing of midfielder Josh Cullen from Anderlecht.
According to Team Talk, multiple English clubs are monitoring Josh Cullen’s situation at Anderlecht. Crystal Palace and Leeds United are among the clubs showing interest in the central midfielder along with Cullen’s former side West Ham.
Cullen is a West Ham United youth product but failed to break into their first team despite spending multiple loan spells away from the club. He had temporary stints at Bradford, Bolton and Charlton during his time with the Hammers, but he failed to do enough to impress the London club’s hierarchy.
After making just three appearances for the West Ham first team, Cullen left for Belgium in 2020. He has become an integral part of the Anderlecht squad in just a year and a half. The 25-year-old’s impeccable positioning and playmaking abilities make him an exciting prospect.
He has played a key pass and created three big chances per game on average this season. Even with such progressive passing numbers, the central midfielder is usually used in more of a defensive role. This season, on average, Cullen has made 1.4 interceptions and 2.1 tackles per game from the centre of the park.
Recently the Englishman conceded that a return to Premier League is something that excites him. “Of course it would be a dream to play in the Premier League again. As a footballer, you need to want to play against the best players in the best league, and the best league is the Premier League,” Cullen said.
West Ham are planning for a busy summer with the Hammers eager to continue fighting for European spots. They have their eyes set on a possible return for their academy product, as they need a new midfielder to replace Mark Noble, who will be retiring at the end of the season. With Alex Kral unlikely to be signed permanently either, a new midfielder like Cullen would be a top signing.
But it will not be easy for the east London club. With just over a year remaining on his contract, the midfielder is set to be the subject of heavy interest from the Premier League, and the Hammers will have to ward off multiple potential suitors.
Indeed, Leeds United are also keen on the Irishman, who could be seen as an upgrade on someone like Mateusz Klich, who has had an inconsistent campaign this time out. Crystal Palace, too, are keen on signing Cullen, which would be understandable as they are set to lose Conor Gallagher once his loan deal expires at the end of the season.
In addition to West Ham, Leeds and Crystal Palace, the likes of Burnley, Norwich City, Southampton and several other Premier League sides are interested in Cullen. But with David Moyes’ side the most well-placed to qualify for Europe next season among all the aforementioned clubs, they could hold the upper hand come summer.
