According to a recent report from Daily Mail, Leeds United are keen on signing West Ham United’s midfielder Josh Cullen. Along with the Whites, promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion are also said to be interested. From the Premier League, Norwich City and Bournemouth are also showing interest.
Cullen is currently on loan with Championship outfit Charlton Athletic, a side that are fighting to stay up in the English second division. The 23-year-old has made 25 appearances in the Championship this season, and he has emerged as a mainstay in the middle. Cullen has been on loan with Charlton for two back to back seasons now.
Leeds United look very likely to go up to the Premier League, and there is no doubt that they would need to add reinforcements for the following season. Their plans though are likely going to depend on which they division they end up playing in.
West Ham recently activated a one-year extension as Cullen’s contract was expiring in the summer of 2020. Now, the midfielder’s deal will end in 2021. The Hammers though are yet to reach an agreement with Cullen over a new contract which has reportedly encouraged his suitors.
Marcelo Bielsa has relied heavily on Mateusz Klich since his arrival, and he has been one of the first names on the team sheet under the Argentine boss. However, the club will need to provide more cover and backup for him if they get to the Premier League.
What are Cullen’s capabilities?
Cullen is a central midfielder who can dictate play from the middle and go on impressive runs as well. He has decent close-quarter control which allows him to wriggle out of tight spaces. The 23-year-old is also known for his high work rate, which is imperative for a manager like Bielsa.
Cullen is an Irish international, and he has impressed in two appearances for his country. The midfielder also has three Premier League appearances for the Hammers. However, all of them were late cameos, where the manager used him to waste time in the end.
Should Bielsa go for him?
Nevertheless, he has impressed for the Addicks in the past two seasons. We believe, he can be a decent squad player at the Premier League level. In our opinion, the Whites should aim a bit higher and bring in a player who has played top-flight football regularly. Cullen can be a handy addition, but he is yet to prove himself at the Premier League level. So his signing could be hit or miss. For the right price tag, Leeds can go after him.
