It has been a frantic transfer window at Elland Road as Garry Monk has bolstered almost every department of the squad he inherited from Steve Evans. The former Swansea boss did not have the kind of start he would have wished for with Leeds United. So, it was probably on the cards that Leeds would make a late approach to add fresh faces to their squad. Yes, Leeds United have opened their account on the transfer deadline day. The Whites have agreed on a deal for midfielder Eunan O’Kane from Premier League side Bournemouth.
The Irish international had his struggles for playing time on a regular basis at Dean Court since the Cherries got into the Premier League last season. He could make just five Premier League starts in 2015-16 and, with the imminent arrival of Jack Wilshere, his first-team chances looked even bleaker. The 26-year-old has failed to make a single appearance for the Cherries this season and at Leeds, he will be able to get more playing time.
Let us shed some light on the career of the Irishman so far and how he improves the first-team of the Whites. First of all, O’Kane is just 26 and plenty of good years ahead of him. If he can have a good start at Elland Road, we might be seeing a player who can a long-term success at the Yorkshire club. For a 26-year-old, O’Kane has a decent amount of experience with more than 250 senior appearances to date.
After joining Bournemouth from Torquay in 2012, O’Kane went on to play a pivotal role as the club won promotion to the Championship in the 2012-13 season. In his first Championship season with the Cherries, O’Kane kept up his stunning form but had his struggles in the following season when the Cherries won the Championship to elevate themselves to the Premier League.
O’Kane is a box to box midfielder with an excellent industry and tenacity. He shows an amazing willingness to give it all for the team. The 26-year-old’s commitment has made him a favourite among fans at both Torquay and Bournemouth. With O’Kane, Leeds will have a passionate player and he can become a hero at Elland Road if he sticks to what he does best.
Now that the Irishman has moved on to pastures new at Leeds, the Irishman will face competition for a regular first-team place from Ronaldo Vieira, Matt Grimes, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Bridcutt and Pablo Hernandez. However, it should not be a problem for the 26-year-old to nail down a place for himself.
