Leeds United are closing in on Huddersfield Town star Lewis O’Brien who could be the next Championship player to break out in the Premier League.
According to The Telegraph, Leeds United are closing in on signing Lewis O’Brien from Championship side Huddersfield Town this summer.
The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks for the Terriers before enjoying an excellent loan spell at Bradford City in 2018/19. He has since developed into a key player for Huddersfield, missing just 12 Championship matches in the two seasons since.
O’Brien has made 83 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring five goals and assisting seven more. He also captained the club on several occasions and has attracted the attention of some Premier League sides.
Leeds appear to be leading the chase for his signature and are hopeful of completing a deal worth £7 million plus add-ons. It represents excellent value for money for the Yorkshire outfit, who will be keen to improve their ninth-placed finish in the top flight last season.
Bielsa is in the market for a midfielder and a winger and remains interested in O’Brien. The 22-year-old appeared on the Argentine manager’s radar following his performances under Carlos Corberan. The Spaniard was in charge of the Leeds Under-23 side from 2017-2020 before taking over at Huddersfield in 2020.
Huddersfield confirmed earlier this month that they had rejected two bids already for O’Brien. Whether it was from Leeds or from some other team remains unclear. With the summer window drawing to a close, the Peacocks have enough reason to be optimistic.
A central midfielder who possesses excellent awareness, O’Brien would be a promising addition to the Leeds outfit. The Yorkshire side have a potentially strong squad, but their deficiencies in midfield were laid bare during the weekend’s 5-1 defeat at Manchester United.
A strong tackler, he is capable of making a difference in the defensive role. O’Brien is also a good dribbler capable of making key forward passes. His ability to produce through balls could supplement the likes of Patrick Bamford and Raphinha on the break. Alongside Kalvin Phillips, he could form a dynamic English midfield that could form the crux of the team for years to come.
Bielsa is a scary judge of talent and could help the youngster level up at Elland Road. There is still much work to be done, but his potential is undeniable. James Maddison, Jack Grealish and Jarrod Bown, among others, have shown that Championship players can bridge the gap to the Premier League and succeed. Whether O’Brien will soon join their ranks remains to be seen.
