Victor Orta wants Leeds United to sign Lewis O’Brien as £12m development emerges – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Lewis O’Brien is likely to be someone on Victor Orta’s transfer shortlist at Leeds United, according to Paul Robinson.
Leeds were strongly linked with the Huddersfield midfielder, 23, in January and speculation has resurfaced since the end of the 2021/22 season after the Terriers failed to win promotion from the Championship.
TeamTalk reported on 1 June that O’Brien has a £12million release clause in his contract and that Huddersfield will be “powerless” to stop clubs like Leeds from signing him this summer.
It is understood that other clubs are also keen on O’Brien. Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Sheffield United, Southampton and West Brom are reportedly among them.
But Robinson feels that despite the increased interest in the Essex-born central midfielder, he’s a player who director of football Orta wants at Leeds.
“He’s a top player and Leeds were obviously interested before,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“He’s probably on Victor Orta’s list to be recruited because regardless of who the manager is, the link between the player and the club doesn’t go away.
“There’ll be a list of clubs looking for a Lewis O’Brien – Leeds won’t be the only ones.“
Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a move away from Leeds.
O’Brien usually plays in a similar position to the 26-year-old England international, in a holding midfield role in front of the defence.
Robinson believes that if O’Brien is seen as a replacement for Phillips, Leeds need to be aiming higher than Championship players unless the Terriers ace can follow in the footsteps of West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.
“It would be an addition in an area they need and if they lose Kalvin Phillips this summer then they have to sign a replacement who’s better quality than Championship,” Robinson added.
“There are top players who come out of the Championship. Jarrod Bowen is a perfect example of that.
“If O’Brien can emulate something like that then you could sign him. But it’s a chance you take by signing Championship players.”
In other Leeds United news, the Whites reportedly want to sign this promotion-winning South American forward who could replace Raphinha.