Craig Scott

Tue 25 May 2021 8:10, UK

Reading star Michael Olise could be a “perfect replacement” for Pablo Hernandez at Leeds United, according to LeedsLive journalist Elliott Jackson.

Writing on the LeedsLive website, Jackson reports that Olise, 19, seems as though he’s destined to play in the Premier League after a stellar season in the Championship at Madejski.

The French attacking midfielder is described as “one of the more high-profile Championship performers” and a “rising star” at Reading.

Realistic target for Leeds?

Olise is someone who has been linked with a move to Leeds before with The Sun reporting in January he’s wanted at Elland Road.

According to The Athletic, there’s an £8million release clause tied into Olise’s contract at the Berkshire club and that makes him an affordable target for the Whites.

Should they sign him?

Olise’s enjoyed a superb season, scoring seven goals and supplying 12 assists in 44 Championship appearances for Reading.

According to stats by WhoScored, only Norwich’s Emiliano Buendia [3.1] has averaged more key passes per game than Olise [1.9] this season while he also ranks joint-ninth for fouls won [2.2] and joint-16th for dribbles per Championship match [1.3].

He’s been played on both wings and as a central attacking midfielder, which makes him versatile enough to warrant a spot in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.

There is certainly merit in signing players from the Championship for the Premier League.

All Leeds fans have to do is look at their own squad to see how Bielsa has improved a bunch of players who finished mid-table in the second-tier before he arrived.

You can also look at Ollie Watkins and James Maddison elsewhere in the league to see how a player who’s made a mark in the Championship can also shine in the top-flight.

Olise is young, great on the ball and versatile.

It’s a big claim but he does have the makings of a replacement for Hernandez.

In other Leeds United news, Robbie Savage slammed this Whites star in the win against West Brom on Sunday.