Leeds United already eye Man City ace ahead of January window – and it’s not Kalvin Phillips
Leeds United strengthened their midfield options well in the summer, but could still be keen on reinforcements in the position.
Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff arrived in central midfield as Leeds did well to reinforce their central options, even if the front line was neglected.
With Ao Tanaka already shining for Leeds, the White have reasonable strength in the position, but more depth and quality would certainly be welcomed.
When Leeds last thrived in the Premier League, Kalvin Phillips was a crucial figure in midfield, but the Whites could now target one of his teammates.
Leeds interested in Man City’s Nico O’Reilly
Phillips moved to Manchester City in 2022, but has since endured a nightmare time, and still remains at the Etihad Stadium as a move away failed to materialise.
While there was talk of a return to Leeds for Phillips, it appears that Daniel Farke has his sights set on a different Man City player.
| Stat | O’Reilly |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
CaughtOffside have reported that Leeds, as well as Bayer Leverkusen, Lyon and Brighton are all interested in Man City starlet Nico O’Reilly, who could be loaned out in January.
O’Reilly has already made 23 appearances for the Man City first team, scoring five goals, but could be loaned out for regular action.
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Nico O’Reilly could play in surprise position for Leeds
O’Reilly has played in central midfield for Man City since breaking into the first team, but with Leeds well stocked in the position, he could be used in an alternative role.
The 20-year-old thrived in the Man City academy and has even started as a centre-forward in his formative days, recording three goals and two assists in nine games.
O’Reilly was prolific for the under-18s, scoring 21 goals and assisting 17 times in 46 games, and this level of output shows that he could be a very valuable asset if played closer to the final third.
A false nine role, in the lack of a clinical striker at Leeds, could be suitable for O’Reilly, but it would be a risk given his age, and it remains to be seen whether City would be happy to sanction a move where he is used in a different position.
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