“All the technical attributes needed” – Southampton eyeing move for 23-year-old Huddersfield midfielder: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Southampton are eyeing a move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, as per reports.

According to the Huddersfield Daily Examiner (print edition, 9th June, back page), the Saints, along with West Ham United and Crystal Palace, are considering making a move for the talented midfielder.

It is believed that the midfielder, who made 50 appearances in all competitions for the Terriers in 2021/22, has a £12 million pounds release clause in his contract.

With the above in mind, we asked three of our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on O’Brien being linked with a move to the London Stadium.

This is an interesting one to consider from a Southampton perspective.

O’Brien was a standout player for Huddersfield last season, with his influence in helping them all the way to the Championship play-off final suggesting he may be ready for the step up to the Premier League.

However, when you consider the options that Southampton currently have available to them in the centre of the park with the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Ibrahima Diallo, Oriol Romeu and Stuart Armstrong, you get the feeling they already have plenty of individuals who can fill O’Brien’s combative midfielder role.

As a result, this may not need to be a priority for Southampton given they may need to strengthen more in other areas, although the 23-year-old’s ability means he is one they should still be monitoring regardless.

Southampton making a move for O’Brien would be an excellent move for player and club.

The Saints would be getting themselves