The path could well be clear for West Ham to sign Lewis O’Brien after Leeds allegedly dropped out of the race to sign the Huddersfield ace.
That’s according to a report from The Huddersfield Examiner (9 June, back page) who claim that the Hammers are still well in the race to sign the 23-year-old whilst Leeds are now looking for options elsewhere.
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Central midfield will definitely be an area at the London Stadium where West Ham manager David Moyes needs to bolster this summer.
The Hammers were thought to be in competition with Leeds to sign Huddersfield star Lewis O’Brien (The Sun and TeamTALK).
With Mark Noble having retired and Alex Kral set for a London Stadium exit, O’Brien would be a very strong addition to Moyes’s ranks.
And it now seems as though the Hammers have a window of opportunity to bring the 23-year-old to East London…
West Ham have free run at O’Brien after Leeds decision
The Huddersfield Examiner (9 June, back page) claim that Leeds are no longer interested in signing the Huddersfield star and that’s great news for the Hammers.
There should be no reason for us not to sign him now.
Huddersfield were so close to securing promotion to the Premier League last season and the 23-year-old played a key role for them.
He is very versatile and can play in central midfield, at left-back or even left-wing.
O’Brien bagged three goals and three assists in 46 Championship outings for the Terriers. During those appearances, the Colchester-born star has averaged 2.2 tackles, one dribble and one clearance per game. He has made 38.9 passes per match on average and has recorded a 78.2% pass completion rate (Who Scored).
He obviously has a lot of talent and his versatility will undoubtedly appeal to West Ham.
Huddersfield ace Jonathan Hogg recently absolutely raved about O’Brien, as quoted via Leeds Live:
“I think it’s only a matter of time before he plays in the Premier League. He has a lot of great attributes, his energy and intensity is sensational, up there with the best I’ve seen in my career. He certainly drives the team with his energy and forward runs, it helps the team massively. Lewis is a good lad and he’s grounded, down to earth but it’s only a matter of time before he does play at the top level.”
The Huddersfield ace has the kind of ability needed to succeed in the Premier League and he certainly has the talent needed to go on and become a truly top-class player, as long as he continues to apply himself properly off the pitch of course…
The 23-year-old could be available for around £10 million this summer (The Sun).
And with Leeds dropping out of the race to sign O’Brien, West Ham may well now have a free run at the Essex-born midfielder.
Read other West Ham news:
West Ham want to sign 25-year-old Bayern Munich ace – report
Report: West Ham open talks to sign £6 million ace
Insider claims West Ham willing to make £13 million loss on 17-capped international
Moyes tried to bring £22 million player back to West Ham according to agent