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On an otherwise quiet Deadline Day for Leeds United, the latest rumor to gain traction involves Bournemouth midfielder Eunan O’Kane. He’s 5 foot 6 inches, has international experience with the Republic of Ireland, and he might be the playmaker Garry Monk is looking for.
Update: Believe O'Kane is now going to happen, on a permanent basis #LUFC
— Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) August 31, 2016
So who is he? At 26 years old, O’Kane spent two years with Everton’s youth squad before playing for Coleraine and Torquay United. He then signed with Bournemouth on 26 July 2012 and was an important cog in their move up the ladder to the Premier League. However, he only has 2 goals in 101 appearances for the Cherries, so he’s clearly not a goal scorer... more of a provider.
His former Torquay manager Martin Ling likened him to... Martin Ling... saying he “never shies away from wanting the ball, even after he's made a mistake.” If he’s the sort of leader we need in the midfield, I’m all for it.
Sky Sources reporting Eunan O'Kane to Leeds as a done deal. On a permanent. Undisclosed fee. Nothing official yet. #lufc #lufclive
— Lee Sobot (@LeeSobotYEP) August 31, 2016
Our resident Irishman Sean Ryan had this to say about him...
O'Kane is a decent central midfielder in the Neil Kilkenny mould. He's an absolute engine and really allows the more attacking players in a side to get forward. The best example of this was the year Bournemouth went up. His play in the middle of the park, especially when deployed in front of the back four allowed the likes of Harry Arter and Matt Ritchie get forward. If we do sign him, and Garry Monk persists with Pablo Hernandez, O'Kane could be the man to allow him to flourish. Or he could be used to cover the void left by Lewis Cook and allow Mowatt to rediscover the form that saw some sublime goals during the 14/15 season. Either way he's tailor-made for Leeds United and we should be seriously considering him if Eddie Howe is serious about allowing him to leave.
We’ll keep you posted on what happens with O’Kane on our Twitter account and here at Through It all Together. Stay tuned... if this doesn’t happen, with Taylor, Diagouraga, Murphy, and maybe even Sol Bamba thought to be on the move, I’m sure we’ll hear some Transfer Window action soon.
MOT.