Leeds United will compete with Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Lyon to sign 20-year-old Manchester City whizkid Nico O’Reilly next year.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Nico O’Reilly is the subject of interest from Leeds United. The Whiles are closely monitoring the progress of the Manchester City whizkid. However, the 20-year-old versatile footballer is also a target for Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Lyon. Additionally, convincing the youngster to part ways with Manchester City may be a tall order.
Who is Nico O’Reilly?
Nico O’Reilly has enjoyed his breakthrough in the first-team squad at Manchester City in the last 12 months. A native of Manchester, the Englishman spent his formative years in his home city, joining Manchester City as an eight-year-old in 2013 before rapidly progressing through the ranks at the Premier League club.
The 20-year-old made his first-team bow for Manchester City at the onset of the 2024/25 season, and he has risen in stature with each passing month since then. O’Reilly has already made 23 appearances thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with five goals and two assists.
While the English youth international progressed as a midfielder in age-group football, he has been a revelation as a left-back under Pep Guardiola. Meanwhile, O’Reilly’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Leeds United may be among five prospective suitors vying for his signature next year. The youngster has also been a target for Chelsea.
A man in demand
Leeds United’s interest in Nico O’Reilly is understandable. While the Whites have a stacked midfield unit after the summer transfer window, Daniel Farke can do with another left-back. While Gabriel Gudmundsson has shown promising signs in the early days of the 2025/26 season, Leeds United may sign another left-back next year.
So, O’Reilly has emerged as a viable target for Leeds United. However, the 2024/25 EFL Championship winners face stiff competition from Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Lyon for the Englishman’s signature. Interestingly, the Bundesliga giants were keen on signing him earlier this year before he signed a new contract with Manchester City.
However, as O’Reilly did when Chelsea showed interest in him earlier this year, he may remain committed to Manchester City, and a move to Leeds United or any other club may not be on the cards.