Leeds United starlet Paudie O’Connor rumoured to be set for loan to League One

There have been plenty of rumours flying about during the summer transfer window so far without a lot of action. Most of the rumours at Leeds United have to do with who will be leaving the club, rather than who will be coming in.

Marcelo Bielsa, in his first press conference at the club, stated that he thought the club had about “15 players” more than what was needed. Of course, that doesn’t mean that 15 players are headed for the chopping block, nor does it mean that the club is going to release a couple dozen players. While some players might be sold or released, a number of players might still be in the future plans of the club and will go out on loan.

One young player that could use an extended period out on loan to get experience is Paudie O’Connor. O’Connor spent most of last season captaining the Leeds U23s after a successful trial at the club last March. He spent a lot of last season’s preseason with the senior team, and made a few appearances in preseason. His performance at the end of the season has almost certainly warranted a new contract for the former Limerick FC centre back.

O’Connor made his senior debut late in the season in the match against Sunderland, and played in three other matches for Leeds, starting against Preston North End, Aston Villa, and Barnsley FC. He also was on the bench for the match against Norwich City.

He is a promising defender who is still only 20 years old and looked good enough during those four matches to challenge for a spot in the starting XI this upcoming year. However, it appears that Bielsa and Victor Orta don’t see him in the plans for this season, at least not right now. O’Connor is obviously too good to gain much experience in the U23s this season, so a loan would be a good move for him professionally.