Pete O’Rourke recently broke down Leeds United’s growing interest in Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan on the Inside Track podcast. The 23-year-old has been making waves south of the border.
Leeds United Keep Watchful Eye on Hibernian Ace Josh Mulligan
This comes after he settled in quickly at Easter Road. Mulligan moved from Dundee to the capital last summer when his contract ran out. Since then, he has quickly become a key player in the Scottish Premiership.
The midfielder’s high-energy performances have reportedly convinced the Leeds recruitment team to keep a very close watch on how he develops. O’Rourke gave an update on the situation at Elland Road.
He suggested that while the Whites like what they see in Mulligan, a move in January seems unlikely. Leeds United are in a solid spot in the Premier League right now. This is still the case even after that painful 4-3 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The club don’t seem to feel any huge rush to add new midfielders immediately. Daniel Farke’s side have picked up enough points to stay away from the relegation battle for now.
This gives the board the chance to stay patient. So, O’Rourke expects Leeds to keep scouting him for the rest of the season. They might look to make an official move once the summer transfer window opens.
“Yeah, I think that he’s (Mulligan) obviously a player that Leeds are following and keeping tabs on, as he has had a very good season for Hibernian up in Scotland.
“But I don’t think it’s (a midfielder) a priority for Leeds right now. They’ve been in very good form right up until that heartbreaking defeat to Newcastle.
“They’ve really picked up form and really moved further clear of relegation trouble. I don’t think Leeds really need to rush into anything.
“I think he’s a player that Leeds will continue to track and scout, but I don’t envisage them making a move for him in January, but maybe in the summer, if he continues to impress for Hibs, it’s something they will revisit.“
Does a Summer Move for Mulligan Make Sense?
Daniel Farke likes his midfielders to be versatile and full of energy. Josh Mulligan has plenty of both. The Scotsman usually plays as a box-to-box midfielder but can easily fill in at right-back. This will provide Farke the kind of tactical options he needs during a long, tough Premier League season.
Leeds United often ask their midfielders to cover a lot of ground. They have to help out in defence and get forward into the box. Mulligan’s aggressive running and knack for scoring goals would fit this fast-paced style well.
On top of that, signing players from the Scottish Premiership usually offers better value. It’s often much cheaper than buying players from the overpriced English market. Still, there are questions about whether Mulligan can jump straight into the fast-paced technical side of England’s top flight.
He’s a dominant force in Scotland, but the Premier League is a massive step up. Farke probably sees him more as a player for the future rather than a guaranteed starter right away. He could be a good option to rotate with players like Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev.
If Leeds stay in the top flight, bringing in a hungry, flexible player like Mulligan adds depth to the squad without overspending. Taking the time to wait until summer is a smart move. It gives scouts more time to watch him. It also makes sure the club only sign him if he keeps up his current form at Hibernian.
Nitish Bhan
Nitish is a football journalist with over 12 years of experience covering the Premier League and global football. He combines data-driven reporting with tactical analysis to deliver in-depth coverage for readers who want more than just match reports. A marketing graduate and lifelong football addict, Nitish has contributed to Sportskeeda,…