Premier League side Leeds United are keeping tabs on Birmingham City starlet George Hall
According to The Sun, Leeds United are keeping a close watch on Birmingham City’s talented 18-year-old sensation, George Hall.
Jesse Marsch’s side are currently undergoing a rebuild and have revamped their roster last summer. The American is a good developer of talent and will do well to strengthen the youth ranks at Elland Road.
Hall is one of the best young talents to come out of Birmingham in recent years and has already turned heads in the Premier League with his performances. He decided to stay put at St Andrews and penned a new deal last summer, in the anticipation that regular play time would be his prerogative.
Unfortunately that has proven to be a faux pas and the 18-year-old has struggled to take to the field regularly. While Hall did play in 15 Championship games this season, his time on the field has amounted to a mere 501 minutes of action. During that time, he has scored one goal and assist apiece.
Leeds could make use of the situation and attempt to land Hall in the January transfer window. A central midfielder, the young Englishman can play anywhere along the middle of the park and has the potential to develop into a top level footballer.
While Moving to Elland Road is a step up, it is difficult to see how the transfer will aid Hall’s chances of playing senior level football on a regular basis. Leeds have better options than Birmingham already on their roster and the chances of Hall going straight into the lineup is rather fanciful.
Instead, the 18-year-old, in all likelihood will have to spend time in the clubs’ reserves and earn his badges. While the odd cup appearance could still be in order. Hall will need to be patient to receive his opportunity for regular game time.
A good dribbler, Hall is someone who recycles possession and keeps things simple. While there is potential, the 18-year-old needs to further refine several key traits before he can make it big. The inability to compete in the air and a poor passing range in particular springs to mind.
Leeds could very well land their man in January but what immediate benefit the player will provide should he make the switch is debatable.
Hard to think why Hall would want to move to Leeds other than for money. If he wants to actually play football and further his career, then he should stay where he is.
He only needs to look at how such a move has worked out for Amari Miller. If that’s what he wants, that’s fine but I think he would be better off at Birmingham for at least another year.