Leeds United have identified Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan as a potential transfer target. That said, the club will likely wait for the summer window to open before making a formal approach. The 23-year-old has established himself as a central figure at Easter Road this term.
Leeds United Eye Summer Swoop for Hibernian Ace Josh Mulligan
He joined the Edinburgh side on a free transfer from Dundee last July. His consistent performances in the Scottish Premiership have reportedly caught the attention of scouts south of the border, and the Whites are keeping a close watch on his development.
Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the Inside Track podcast, confirmed the interest. Still, he played down suggestions of an imminent January bid. The journalist explained that Leeds’ recruitment team are keeping tabs on Mulligan due to his impressive debut campaign with Hibs.
Even so, they do not view midfield reinforcement as a critical emergency right now. Farke’s side have recently found a rhythm in the Premier League, pulling themselves away from the immediate danger zone despite a frustrating loss to Newcastle United.
Because the club feel relatively secure in their fight for survival, the hierarchy prefers to continue monitoring Mulligan’s progress rather than rushing into a winter deal. A summer move remains the most probable outcome if the Scot maintains his high standards.
The journalist said: “Yeah, I think that he’s (Mulligan) obviously a player that Leeds are following and keeping tabs on, as he has had a very good season for Hibernian up in Scotland.
“But I don’t think it’s (a midfielder) a priority for Leeds right now. They’ve been in very good form right up until that heartbreaking defeat to Newcastle.
“They’ve really picked up form and really moved further clear of relegation trouble. I don’t think Leeds really need to rush into anything.
“I think he’s a player that Leeds will continue to track and scout, but I don’t envisage them making a move for him in January, but maybe in the summer, if he continues to impress for Hibs, it’s something they will revisit.“
Will he fit in Daniel Farke’s system?
Daniel Farke’s tactical demands at Elland Road require players with a high work rate and positional discipline. Mulligan has displayed these traits regularly this season. The German manager typically favours a double pivot in midfield to break up opposition play and transition the ball quickly.
Mulligan’s physicality and directness would offer significant value in this role. He can operate as a box-to-box engine or even drift into wider areas. This will give Leeds the kind of versatility that Premier League squads often lack outside the top six.
Mulligan’s profile fits exactly what Farke looks for in a signing: young, hungry, and easy to coach. Leeds United often rely on their midfielders to cover vast amounts of ground to sustain their pressing game. The Hibernian man’s stats show he excels in high-intensity duels.
The step up from the Scottish Premiership to the English top flight presents a challenge for any player. However, the 23-year-old’s robust style suggests he could cope with the physical rigours of the division. Adding a dynamic option like Mulligan for a reasonable fee would represent a smart bit of business to bolster their squad depth.
