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Who’s This £225k Rated 20-Year-Old Sensation That Leeds Are Targeting? Everything You Need To Know

George Hirst

Scout Report – George Hirst

According to reports from the Daily Mail, EFL Championship side Leeds United are very much interested in making a move for Sheffield Wednesday’s teenage striker George Hirst.

The 20-year old sensation, son of legend David Hirst, is set to leave the Owls at the end of the season, when his contract expires, after having been deprived of first-team opportunities at the Hillsborough. Hirst had a brilliant 2016/17 campaign across different age groups but saw his road to the senior team blocked with Wednesday acquiring a number of strikers in the summer. 

In spite of this, the player agreed to sign a new contract and stay at the club to continue his development, with a possible loan move away from them, but those talks to hit a brick wall owing to some disagreements. Following this episode, Hirst was prohibited from representing the club at any level and the only football that he has been playing this term has been with the England U-19 side.

Saddened by the developments, the young forward has made up his mind to move on in the summer, with a number of sides, including Premier League clubs Leicester City and Everton, being interested. With interest in his services peaking, we take a close look at who George Hirst is and what makes him such a highly-coveted youngster.

Footballing Background 

Born in Sheffield, England, on 15 February 1999, George Hirst is the son of former footballer David Hirst, a former striker for Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton. The £225k rated youngster started off his career with the Owls, and having risen through their ranks, he signed his first professional contract with Sheffield Wednesday in March 2016. 

Hirst made his first-team debut for the Owls in August 2016, against Cambridge United in the first round of the EFL Cup and made his Championship debut in December 2016, in a 2-1 loss to Reading. To date, those are the only two occasions he has represented his club at senior level. 

The 20-year old has been a regular for the England national team at the youth levels. He made his debut for the Three Lions U-17 side back in February 2016 and went on to make 7 appearances, scoring twice. He has represented the England U-18 side on 9 occasions as well, finding the back of the net 4 times.

However, what really put him on the map was his performance in the 2017 Toulon Tournament for the England U-20 side this past summer. Hirst finished the competition with 4 goals from 5 matches, as England went on to win the tournament and ended up being named in the Team of the Tournament as well. 

Hirst made his debut for the English U-19 side in September this year, with the Three Lions backing the player despite him not playing at club level. He repaid the faith, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Poland. He has featured 5 times for the U-19s, scoring 4 goals so far.  

Style Of Play 

An out and out centre-forward, Hirst has displayed all the attributes needed for a striker to succeed on the biggest stages. 

The 20-year old is tall at 191cm, is very good in the air, and also possesses great ground speed for his height. Strong and physical, he has the ability to shield the ball well at the top of the attack and brings his teammates into play. He has also displayed great intelligence in his positioning and movement. Technically gifted, he is a good dribbler of the ball too.

Someone who can create chances and score, Hirst can operate as a lone striker at the top or can work in tandem with a partner as well. Despite being so young, the England youth starlet has displayed great decision making and predatory instincts in and around the penalty box. An excellent finisher with either foot, he shows great composure in front of the goal and can turn into a complete package with the right guidance.

What Does The Future Hold? 

It is pretty clear that things aren’t going to change for him at the Hillsborough and his departure next summer is all but certain. Given his talent, it is not a surprise that there are so many suitors in the fray to get him on their books. Leeds too have thrown their hat into the ring to make Hirst move to the Elland Road.

The Whites lost a promising, young talent in the shape of Tom Lees to the Owls a few years back and the centre-half has flourished since his move to Sheffield. Leeds could be looking to do something similar to their rivals by clinching the signature of Hirst. With a number of top-flight clubs also interested in his services, things will not be easy for Thomas Christiansen’s side, but the promise of regular football at senior level could help them clinch the deal.

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