Leeds United are on the cusp of pulling off something quite remarkable – a return to the top-flight for the first time in 16 years, so quite rightly their attention has turned to the summer.
Getting recruitment right will be absolutely key to their success, irrespective of the division they find themselves in.
According to the Daily Mail, the west Yorkshire outfit are one of several clubs taking a keen interest in West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen, who has been impressing out on loan for Charlton Athletic this season.
They’ll have to battle the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Norwich City and Championship title rivals West Brom for his signature while the Hammers could explore the option on his current contract.
So, would this be a wise move for Marcelo Bielsa to make? Our writers have given their verdicts on the matter, here’s what they have said…
Billy Meyers
“Josh Cullen has shone for Charlton in recent seasons, across both League One and the Championship.
“He is already a full Republic of Ireland international and the Addicks supporters on Twitter have called for his permanent arrival in the past. If anyone has earned their passage into the Premier League, or the upper echelons of the second tier, then it is Cullen – Orta would be clever to make this move. Of course, Kalvin Phillips is the star midfielder at Elland Road, but Cullen would help provide added competition to the Englishman, and also much-needed depth – centre-back Ben White started Leeds’ last game against Huddersfield in midfield.
“Also, with his energy, Cullen would make Phillips’ life easier in the middle of the park, while his passing ability would keep things ticking over nicely for Bielsa – the West Ham loanee has a pass accuracy of 83.2% this season.”
Matt Dawson
“A move for Cullen would be yet another Victor Orta disasterclass. The Director of Football has had his fair share in the last 12 months, namely Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Kevin Augustin who have both now struggled for football under Marcelo Bielsa. The fact of the matter is that Leeds’ midfield is already locked down.
“Kalvin Phillips is the star turn while Mateusz Klich has never missed a league match under the current management. As for Pablo Hernandez, he’s won their Player of the Season two years in a row. With Jamie Shackleton, Mateusz Bogusz, Robbie Gotts and Alfie McCalmont among their ranks too, it would be a baffling decision to sign the West Ham midfielder.”
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Danny Lewis
“Josh Cullen should have been given a chance at West Ham United by now, so if Leeds United were able to sign him, it would see them punish their mistake. Charlton Athletic currently sit in the relegation zone, but he has still shone, but this should be no surprise, as he was the man who put the cross in for their play-off final winner last season. Considering he would be available to join for free, as his contract is expiring in the summer, this would be an absolute no-brainer.”
Lewis Blain
“Leeds’ potential summer activity makes for an interesting conundrum because they will no doubt need players that can step up to the demands of the Premier League should they continue to keep this form up and earn that elusive return to the top-flight.
“A move for Josh Cullen on this basis would make very little sense as he’s hugely unproven at the elite level having only featured in three matches. As Villa are quickly finding out, the step-up isn’t as easy as it looks, so Bielsa could do with signing players who can cut the mustard at this level.
“On the contrary, they could sign him and see how he performs over the summer – there’s always a chance to loan him out back to the Championship if need be, so it wouldn’t be an absolute disaster if they followed through on these rumours.”
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While in other news, Phil Hay plays down Leeds chance of permanent deal for star loanee…
