Leeds United transfer update shared by Phil Hay amid Nottingham Forest ace Lewis O’Brien links
Leeds United might have to pay either all or a proportion of Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien’s wages, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist reported on Friday (25 August) that there still remains uncertainty over the Premier League club’s stance on the 24-year-old central midfielder.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported on 22 August that if they were to sell him, it would cost the buying club a £10million fee.
Hay said on the Square Ball at 21:43, “I saw the links to Lewis O’Brien. I was digging into that one a little bit and I was being told that he’s on quite a big wage at Forest and it’s not necessarily clear. I think he’ll go from Forest but it’s not clear if Forest would expect full salary recovery from him if he went out on loan which doesn’t make it easy.”
Only consider a loan
Leeds would be naive to pay that kind of money for a midfielder who’s not really been getting regular first-team minutes over the last 12 months.
His move to Forest has clearly not worked out and he was on the cusp of leaving in January as well but did not leave the side permanently.
They know that his big wages are going to cause an issue so there may be a scenario where they’re footing a part of his salary.
It remains to be seen how serious the Whites are in their pursuit of O’Brien and whether or not they begin talks with the midfielder.
He’s certainly an exciting player who will strengthen the team but finances aren’t unlimited at Elland Road and there are other positions that need strengthening too.
Hopefully, one way or another, clarity arrives on this situation pretty soon and they bring in two new midfielders.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have now emerged as favourites to sign a Premier League player likened to Lionel Messi.