Football writer Conor McGilligan has urged Leeds United to try and sign John Buckley in the current January transfer market.
In recent times, the West Yorkshire club have been linked with a move for exciting Blackburn Rovers attacker Ben Brereton Diaz. However, it seems as though they could be better off going for someone who has gone a little ‘under the radar’ from the very same club.
Indeed, while talking about possible signings on the One Leeds Fan Channel on YouTube, McGilligan explained how Buckley – another Rovers player linked with a move to Elland Road – is a versatile star within the Leeds scouting network who would be a perfect fit for manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Should Leeds sign Blackburn's John Buckley?
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He claimed that Blackburn players like Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack should be overlooked in favour of 22-year-old Buckley, saying: “John Buckley, this guy’s been playing in central midfield for Blackburn all season. Everyone’s been talking about Ben Brereton Diaz or Bradley Dack etc, but this guy is going under the radar.
“He’s played right-back, he’s played centre-forward, he’s played centre-attacking midfield, he’s played centre-defensive midfield, and what’s that keyword? It’s versatility, everybody.
“John Buckley is definitely someone in the Leeds United remit, the Leeds scouting network, in my opinion, who would fit and suit Bielsa’s needs. You know, he looks like he’s willing to learn. He is only a young lad, high endeavour, high energy.”
TIF Thoughts on John Buckley and Leeds…
As McGilligan says, Buckley certainly seems to be a versatile player, capable of playing in a number of roles. According to Transfermarkt, he has played in defensive, central, and attacking midfield this season, while also playing out on either flank and operating as a second striker and centre-forward as well.
Throughout the season, Leeds have had to contend with a number of injury concerns to their players. With that in mind, Buckley’s ability to play in plenty of different positions would make him an ideal signing.
In those various roles, he has helped also set up six goals while scoring another, making him a key player within the Blackburn team. No doubt, his form has been a factor in the club’s great season so far – which sees them currently sit third in the Championship.
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