Leicester City and Crystal Palace also wanted the 19-year-old talent.
Elland Road
Leeds United look set to complete the signing of a talented young Irishman, with Paudie O’Connor on the verge of joining from Limerick. The player himself confirmed the move yesterday on his twitter account with Leeds hoping they have secured a top young talent with his arrival.
One man who does not doubt Leeds have got their hands on a star is Limerick head coach Martin Russell.
He has been speaking to The Irish Sun about the move and he believes the teenager has what it takes to make it across the water:
“He had ambitions to go across the water and he wanted to explore that during the off-season and he did.
“Leeds was one of the clubs he went to and they obviously liked what they saw.
“There were some clubs over here which were interested in him too had he stayed here so we knew that, realistically, he wasn’t going to be staying with us.
“Once he was out of contract that was that. We’re entitled to compensation, but he goes with everyone’s blessing and best wishes.
“We’re glad that we played a part in his development and hope that he can continue to progress over there.”
General view inside the stadium before the game – Elland Road
O’Connor, who was also being tracked by Shamrock Rovers, Leicester City and Crystal Palace, helped his former club to the First Division title in Ireland last season and the teenager will hope to follow in the footsteps of other Irishman who have thrived since making the move to Elland Road in the past.
Leeds are constantly on the hunt for top young talent and clearly believe that O’Connor has what it takes to make it in English football.
At just 19 it might be a while until Leeds fans see him in first-team action. But hopefully they have got themselves a star in the making.
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