Barcelona – along with other big European clubs – are keen to sign one particular League One defender in potential bargain deal.
That man is Fleetwood Town’s James Hill, who is getting in the national headlines after an impressive year for the League One outfit.
It has seen him linked with many giants in football as well as a number of Premier League teams come the January transfer window. It could be a crucial month for the player and his club with his contract expiring in the summer.
Credit: Blackpool Gazette
Fleetwood’s expectations are realistic and they know that January would be the ideal time for them to sell if they are to make the most profit on their youngest-ever player.
“James is destined for the top,” Fleetwood chairman Andy Pilley told The Athletic. “He turns 20 in January but he got his debut for us at 16, which tells you how much faith we’ve always had in him. All the Premier League clubs have been here to look at him and we even had Barcelona in attendance a few weeks ago.
“We’ve been very lucky to have him but we know we’ll be saying goodbye to him soon and we’ll wish him all the best for the future. We’ll just have to watch him on Match of the Day.”
Hill, who is the son of former Preston and Wolves defender Matt Hill, has performed superbly in a struggling Cod Army side in the third tier this season, playing 13 times but he’s been sidelined with an injury since November.
It’s one that forced to leave the England under-21’s squad last month after being called up for the very first time and even before that call came he was attracting major interest.
Rangers had a bid rejected for the 19-year-old in the summer according to the Daily Record, with Burnley and Southampton also having offers turned down for a player who has also been scouted by Liverpool and Manchester United. Leeds are also interested according to reports.
Burnley are said to have re-ignited their interest ahead of January with the future of James Tarkowski uncertain, and there’s even been a visit to Lancashire by the mighty Barcelona recently to watch Hill, per The Mirror.
Addressing the player’s future on an official website club update, Pilley stated that Hill is destined to leave Highbury soon – but his destination is anyone’s guess.
“There’s a cluster of clubs that are very interested in both James (Hill) and Jay Matete – their time will come,” Pilley said.
“But what will happen is I think both of those players will move on in the not too distant future and now they play for us, they’ll continue to give their very best but success for this football club looks like success for these players who have come through the academy.”
Watch a compilation video of him in action by clicking play below…
Social media users reacted with Barcelona among many keen to sign the League One defender in a potential bargain deal…
Tim Hewitt: What a baller this guy is, destined for big things
Paul Riley: He has got such a bright future ahead of him
Henry Archer: Really hope he gets a move to the big time because he deserves it
Ian Drayton: Imagine being 19 and hear that these type of clubs are watching you and could be about to put in a bid
Barry Arnold: Yet another clever bit of business for Fleetwood incoming?!
Keith Andrews: i’ll be sad the day when his departure gets announced
Ollie Wright: Absolutely chuffed to see him do so well every since coming to the club, good luck to him
Jason Lee: Huge fair play to him, sounds like he’s really impressed many like
Nathan Baker: So well said that from Andy Pilley. James Hill has been a credit to the club and it’s only a matter of time before he’s waving his goodbyes
Ed Winchester: if i recall there were many attempting to sign him last summer too
Derek Winfield: Loved it when i read that he were too fazed with playing for prem clubs or those such as barca, focusing on what he’s doing now, but boy he must be excited just a bit inside
Sean McGinlay: Hill is still 19 years old and in countlessly immense in matches he plays. It’s only a matter of time before more people switch on to just how big a talent this young centre half is.
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