Featured

Who is he? The midfielder Leeds are tipped to beat Liverpool to sign

|
Image for Who is he? The midfielder Leeds are tipped to beat Liverpool to sign

Speaking recently, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson claimed that the chance to work with manager Marcelo Bielsa would give Leeds a significant advantage when the transfer window reopens, and it already seems as though that may well be proving to be the case.

According to recent reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Whites are confident that they can beat off interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Rangers, to secure the signing of midfielder Charlie Allen from Northern Irish side Linfield.

Beating clubs with that sort of pedigree will inevitably excite fans of any club, but just what would Leeds be getting for their transfer victory when it comes to Allen.

At just 16-years-old, Allen is still at a very early stage of his career, but it seems as though he is already starting to catch the eye of plenty at the top end of the footballing pyramid, which appears to be with good reason.

The teenager has already made six senior appearances for Linfield, becoming the club’s youngest ever player in the process.

During that time, the versatile forward player has won plenty of plaudits for his performances, further highlighting the ability and maturity he has for someone of his age.

Indeed, speaking to YEP about Allen, former Northern Ireland international and now elite performance director for the country’s FA, Jim Magilton said: “Charlie is one of those boys that you throw him on to the park and go and ask him to play.

“[He’ll] play anywhere with the same attitude and enthusiasm. Technically very good and physically can handle it – he is quick enough and he has a real chance.

“Great attitude, enthusiastic, and applies himself every day. He’s been in full-time academy from September and he’s been excellent.”

Others meanwhile, have reportedly compared Allen to Billy Gilmour, the young Chelsea midfielder who recently broke into the Blues senior side at the age of 18, which does seem to imply that Allen himself could be close to a similar breakthrough of his own.

It is also worth noting that his current situation doesn’t just mean that he looks well set for a long career in the game at a high level, but also that he would be well-prepared for a move to Elland Road to pull on the shirt of Leeds United in particular.

Currently, Allen is managed at Linfield by David Healy, the former striker who spent three years at Leeds between 2004 and 2007, during which time he made 121 appearances and scored 31 goals for the Whites.

Those links with Healy could therefore put Leeds in the driving seat when it comes to the battle to sign Allen, while also providing the young midfielder with some valuable insight into his potential next destination, before he even arrives at Elland Road.

Leeds have certainly had form for bringing through young players into their senior side in recent seasons, and it seems that both on and off the pitch, Allen is in a strong position to manage the pressure of being the next in that list of up and coming players to face the pressure of pulling on the famous White shirt.

As a result, this move could well prove to be something of a coup Leeds United, and not just because of the sides they would be beating to it.

Share this article

UCLan Sports Journalism graduate. Have been working for Leeds All Over since summer 2020, and can only be found writing on Football League World.