Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers 'leading race' for Aston Villa playmaker Tommi O'Reilly
Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers are reportedly leading the race to sign Tommi O’Reilly from Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old is a product of Villa’s academy, although has found it tough to emerge from the fringes of a star-studded squad.
Having previously been loaned to Real Union, Shrewsbury Town and Milton Keynes Dons, he is currently part of Crewe Alexandra’s squad.
His latest loan move has proven productive and the attacking midfielder has registered six goals and 11 assists in League Two this term.
Huddersfield Town linked with Aston Villa man
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Huddersfield and Bolton are at the front of the queue to sign O’Reilly in the summer.
He is said to have caught the eye with his exploits at Crewe and could make a step up next season.
It is unclear whether it is a permanent move on the cards for O’Reilly or whether Villa will look to loan him out again.
He will turn 23 before the end of the calendar year and there is an argument he should be seeking a permanent home.
A versatile creator, O’Reilly can operate as a ‘number 10’ or on either flank. He has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Phil Foden and was given his Villa debut in a Europa Conference League draw with Bosnian outfit Zrinjski Mostar in December 2023.
Huddersfield Town’s position
Huddersfield currently sit sixth in the League One table and promotion to the Championship is not out of the question.
However, recent performances have drawn the ire of the Accu Stadium faithful and a relatively sparse crowd watched their recent win over Rotherham United.
Whether the Terriers pull of a surprise promotion or not, there will be a lot of work to be done on the transfer front over the summer.
A series of high-profile signings have simply not worked out and a reshuffle may be required to raise spirits.