Leeds United could sign their next Pablo Hernandez in Derby County’s Louie Sibley | OneFootball

Leeds United could potentially sign their next Pablo Hernandez in Derby County play-maker Louie Sibley.

What’s the story?

Reports back in January earlier this year had suggested Marcelo Bielsa’s side were interested in signing the 20-year-old, but a deal failed to materialise before the deadline.

Now, with Derby having recently entered into administration, Kevin Phillips has suggested that Leeds could well go back in for Sibley.

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He said: “There is an opportunity now for clubs to sign the good players Derby have got for next to nothing. There will probably be some daft offers going in. Derby will need the money unless they find a buyer by then.

“It’s another opportunity for Leeds to sign Louie Sibley. I know very well and let me tell you he’d be a brilliant signing for them.”

Shades of Pablo Hernandez

Able to play just behind the striker, slightly deeper or even out wide, the versatility that Sibley brings to the table is something similar to Hernandez.

According to Football Talent Scout on Twitter, his main strengths are: pace, passing, vision, dribbling, technique, ball control, long shots – exactly the kind of profile you need to play as a number ten.

And, after watching him score a sensational hat-trick against Leeds, Derby’s U23s head coach Pat Lyons, raved: “I’m delighted for him to get the hat-trick. He was outstanding all night. His driving with the ball is unbelievable, the way he goes past players and the way he makes things happen. It was a great achievement for him tonight.”

That ability to go past players like they aren’t there, but also have the end product to boot too, is exactly what Hernandez brought to the table when he was on song at Elland Road.

At just 20, Sibley has still got plenty of time to develop and progress under someone like Bielsa, and would fit in with the kind of younger profile of signings that Leeds have made in the summer transfer window.

Orta could well sign Leeds’ dream long-term heir to Hernandez in Sibley.

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