Lewis O’Brien’s loan spell at Swansea City has attracted the interest of plenty in the EFL and abroad, with Nottingham Forest set to negotiate with big-spending Wrexham for his signature.
Swansea fans immediately loved O’Brien after he made a loan switch to the Welsh side in January, impressing on his debut after not receiving a look-in from Nuno Espírito Santo.
The midfielder seems happy too, as Swansea fans created a chant for O’Brien, not something he ever would’ve experienced at the City Ground.
Swansea are keen to keep O’Brien, but they may be in for a battle as Hollywood-backed Wrexham are plotting a move for the 26-year-old.
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Wrexham are interested in signing Lewis O’Brien
Never truly given a chance at Forest, it seems best for all parties that O’Brien leaves the club on a permanent deal in the summer.
This could well be to Wrexham, as Football League World has reported the recently-promoted side are ready to rival Swansea and Spanish side Valencia for the midfielder.
The report said: “Wrexham are eyeing a move for O’Brien this summer following promotion to the Championship. […] Swansea are keen to bring O’Brien back to the club on a permanent basis, but are facing reported competition from Carlos Corberan’s Valencia, and FLW understands that Wrexham have now joined the race.”
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This interest in O’Brien looks to be welcome news for Forest, who are reportedly ready to see the Englishman depart permanently.
The report continued: “O’Brien is surplus to requirements at the City Ground, and Forest’s confirmed qualification for UEFA European competition next term means a summer sale is likely to be sanctioned.”
A choice between Wrexham, Swansea, or even a move to Spain will be difficult for O’Brien, but his comments about his time in Wales could provide a hint at his feelings.
Lewis O’Brien may prefer a Swansea City return over Wrexham move
Swansea fans have continued to rave about O’Brien, and perhaps the love of a group of fans may influence his decision, as he has already discussed his love for the Championship side.
Speaking to BBC Sport in April, O’Brien said: “I have really enjoyed my time here. It’s never out of the question, but sometimes it’s not in my hands, especially having to go back to my parent club.
“We will see what the summer holds. It’s never say never, really.”
Wrexham may be looking to push for Premier League promotion quicker than Swansea, but for a player like O’Brien, who has had little love in his time at Forest, staying somewhere where he enjoys his football may be the best move.