According to the reports from the Sun as cited by Daily Star, Leeds United are ready to enter the race to sign Hearts’ fullback Aaron Hickey. It is suggested that the Whites are preparing a new year bid. The left-back is just 17, but he has managed to establish himself in the first team this season after a breakthrough campaign in the 2018-19 season.
The young fullback has drawn plenty of interest in the transfer market so far as quite a few clubs are lining up for his signature. From Championship, QPR are said to be interested, and Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked.
Hickey got his chances last season when he was just 16, and he went on to impress in some of the big games of the season. This season he scored the winner in the Edinburgh derby against the Hibs which has seen his stock rise further. The left-back is contracted to stay at Tynecastle until 2021. Craig Levein has indicated that they are looking to get Hickey on a long term deal. Some reports had mentioned that he could cost around £2m in the transfer market.
Does Leeds United need a left-back?
Ezgjan Alioski has seemingly stolen a march over Barry Douglas at the moment, and the Macedonian seems to be the first choice left-back. United don’t need cover immediately at left-back, but we think that they can look to sign a talented option like Hickey in the January transfer window.
Why Hickey will fit the profile at Leeds United?
The 17-year-old is an attack-minded fullback and given the way United play currently; the youngster should suit Bielsa’s gameplan well. The Scottish youngster is versatile enough to play in other positions as well including at right-back and even as a wide midfielder on either of the flanks. Bielsa always loves to have versatile players in his repertoire, and someone like Hickey should be an excellent addition.
The Whites have often picked up youngsters in the past two-three years, and Hickey seems to fit the profile well. He might not make an immediate impact in the first team after his signing, but he has the potential to be the long term left-back solution at Elland Road.
However, the club will have to fight off competition from some of the top Premier League clubs so United’s task will be cut out in January if they want to get Hickey.
