Lewis O'Brien: the long-term transfer target who could finally offer Leeds United what they need - YEP 30/5/22
Leeds United links to Lewis O'Brien have re-emerged after the Huddersfield Town midfielder impressed in the Championship this season.
By Flora Snelson
After the Whites came close to closing a deal for O'Brien
last summer, Leeds' chances of Town accepting a fresh bid for the talented
player were set to be upset by the South Yorkshire side's promotion bid.
But with the Terriers falling six points shy of an automatic
promotion spot and falling to a 1-0 defeat in the Championship Play-Off final
to Nottingham Forest, United will find it much easier to prise O'Brien from the
second-tier club should they choose to continue their pursuit.
Who is he?
Born in Colchester, O'Brien began his football career at the
Huddersfield Town Academy where he has played ever since, though he earned 40
appearances on loan at Bradford City in the 2018/2019 season.
Where does he play?
A versatile midfielder by trade, O'Brien best suits a number
eight role but can also play as a number 11, a number 10 and a number 7. He
also succeeds in wide areas as a full-back or wing-back.
Why do Leeds United want him?
O'Brien is widely considered a sparkling all-rounder with
strength in every aspect of his game. Foremost of these is a fantastic engine
which has helped to power Town to an impressive 50% Championship win rate this
season.
With four full EFL seasons under his belt, the 23-year-old
boasts experience and has taken on the armband for the John Smith's Stadium
outfit a number of times.
He is said to be a conscientious football player, with Town
boss Carlos Corberan having praised O'Brien's humility and 'limitless'
potential.
The midfielder's training under Corberan, who was previously
on the staff of former United boss Marcelo Bielsa, is a significant draw for
the Leeds as O'Brien would slot neatly into a Whites squad which still bears
attribute of the Argentine's style of play.
Where would O'Brien fit in at Elland Road?
For many months, central midfield has been an area of worry
for Leeds United, and the concern could deepen this summer with the potential
departure of Kalvin Phillips.
After some spectacular Adam Forshaw performances this
season, Whites chairman Andrea Radrizzani looked to have been vindicated by his
suggestion that the midfielder's return from injury would feel like a new
signing but the Liverpudlian's fractured kneecap has sown fresh doubt as to the
player's continual ongoing fitness.
Meanwhile, Mateusz Klich hasn't looked entirely convincing
under the Jesse Marsch regime and the responsibility a full Premier League season
seems a little much to put on the shoulders of 19-year-old Lewis Bate, for all
the promise he showed for the senior team in the latter stages of the season.
If United can succeed in bagging a talented Championship
centre-mid for a reasonable fee then it'll be a significant weight off the
minds of the Elland Road faithful.
