According to Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are in the driver’s seat in the race to sign Charlie Allen. The Linfield FC sensation has raised a lot of eyebrows and is courted by a host of clubs across England including Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. However, it is Leeds United who are in a pole position to capture his services, although they are in no hurry whatsoever.
The Whites are willing to see out the financial devastation inflicted by the Coronavirus before making any moves in the market. But one thing is for sure – Allen’s move to Leeds is favoured by a host of personalities including Linfield’s academy director, Glenn Ferguson.
Who is Charlie Allen?
Regarded as one of the brightest talents in Irish football, Allen has established himself as someone, who is poised to make his breakthrough in professional football within the coming years. He made his debut for Linfield last season against Coleraine, becoming the youngest debutant in the club’s history.
As a matter of fact, the young centre forward was considered in Linfield’s 25-man Champions League squad that played against Rosenborg in the qualifying stages. He would have become the youngest player to ever appear in the coveted tournament if he had featured in that game.
Nevertheless, Allen has made three appearances in the Danske Bank Premiership this campaign. He has also been a regular with the Northern Ireland U17 side, notably winning five caps. Although his progress has been halted due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the youngster is tipped to enjoy a more prominent role in the Linfield senior side next season.
What can he offer to the table?
Despite being a centre-forward, Allen’s style of play is often compared to that of a traditional attacking midfielder. He has excellent control over the ball and always looks to take on opposing defenders. His maturity is also well beyond his years, which explains why the youngster is already playing with the senior side.
Although the 16-year-old has not yet been tested physically, he can definitely hold his own in a one-on-one duel. It is combined with Allen’s technical prowess that makes him one of the most sought players in Northern Ireland.
What is Marcelo Bielsa’s play here?
It is too early for Leeds United to make a call on Allen right now. Besides, as mentioned earlier, the Whites are willing to see out the Coronavirus crisis. Either way, the Northern Irish youngster will be considered as a youth player at Elland Road despite his successes at Lindfield if he ends up making a move.
He is yet to make his breakthrough in senior football. And with that in mind, it would perhaps be wiser for the Championship league leaders to monitor for him for at least another season. It will help the youngster gain some valuable experience in senior football instead of halting his career in the youth levels of English football.
