Leeds target would have “real opportunity” to usurp Junior Firpo

A move to Leeds United would provide Bologna defender Aaron Hickey with a ‘real opportunity’ to secure first-team football, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The highly-rated 19-year-old has been linked with several Premier League sides in recent weeks after going from strength to strength with his Italian employers.

According to 90min, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been monitoring Hickey’s development following a string of impressive performances.

The report also claimed that there has been interest in the versatile full-back from West Ham, Leicester, Brighton, Southampton and Brentford alongside Leeds.

And the number of potential suitors keeping close tabs on Hickey comes as little surprise, given his progress throughout the current campaign.

In 2021/22, the 6 foot gem has made 27 Serie A appearances, registering four goals and one assist, playing a pivotal as Bologna have climbed to a respectable 12th position, 11 points above the relegation zone.

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As per WhoScored, Hickey has also recorded 1.4 tackles, 0.4 blocks and one dribble per top-flight fixture, placing him in the top five for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke recently handed the teenager his maiden call-up to the senior squad as a reward for his outstanding form at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, and he could be set to take the next step in his career over the summer.

While regular game time could be hard to come by for Hickey if he makes the switch to one of the Premier League ‘Big Six’, that may not be the case at Leeds.

O’Rourke believes Hickey has the potential to displace