Leeds United: Johnson could be Bielsa’s long-term Pablo Hernandez heir | OneFootball

Leeds United have been tipped to sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest and if he joins, he could be the long-term heir to Pablo Hernandez in Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Elland Road.

The Athletic reported earlier this year that Leeds, along with Leicester City and Brentford, were looking at the Nottingham Forest man after his impressive performances on loan with Lincoln City in League One, with a later report claiming that he would cost around £10m this summer.

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has recently tipped Leeds to make a move for him this summer when speaking to Football Insider, saying:

“He impressed me when he played in the playoff games against Sunderland.

“Especially in that first game. He looked very direct and got the goal so he’s not afraid to get forward.

“He travels well with the ball and he’s only young. From a Leeds point of view, can you sign him then loan him out?

“He’s definitely got a lot of talent. If he goes to Leeds he won’t be in the first-team plans, I’m sure of it.

“Bielsa can get the best out of players like that, watch this space with that one.”

Last season saw the 20-year-old Johnson play a key role for Lincoln City in League One, as Michael Appleton’s side fell one step short of promotion to the Championship after losing in the playoff final against Blackpool.

He would make 43 appearances in the third tier, contributing an impressive 11 goals and five assists, which helped him average an impressive 6.90 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

WhoScored suggests that Johnson’s main strengths lie in his finishing and dribbling ability, whilst also claiming that he loves to cut inside and offers a counter-attacking threat, which immediately marks him out as someone who could fill the boots of Hernandez at Leeds United in the future.

The experienced Spaniard established himself as a fans favourite during his time at Elland Road, making 175 appearances, in which he contributed an impressive 36 goals and 41 assists, before departing on a free transfer this summer.

If Johnson were signed by Victor Orta this summer, then he would perhaps be sent out on loan, but given time, there seems no reason why he couldn’t become a regular in Bielsa’s side and replace the threat that was offered by Hernandez at Elland Road over the last few seasons.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Raphinha: Orta should seal Leeds summer swoop for “very talented” wonderkid