✦ Summary & Recommendation

Jack Leahy is a technically-gifted, versatile attacking midfielder/winger (Who can also player deeper holding roles) with a solid foundation from academy football and non-league senior experience. His career to date shows promise: creative attributes, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. The sabbatical he undertook also signals his maturity and readiness for a structured return.

For a club willing to invest in his progression and provide game-time with clear expectations, Jack represents a smart (immediate impact) recruitment target. 

The club who provides him a football home, and who gets him 100%fit will have one hell of a player on their hand, who has had spells in higher professional tiers, and a player profile that makes him a very attractive option.

✦ Tactical Profile & Player Style

⚽️ Positioning & role:

• At his best as a No.10 (central attacking midfield) receiving between the lines, linking midfield to attack.

• Also deployable as a No.8 (box-to-box or advanced midfield) utilising his technical ability to drive forward or spread play.

• On the flanks (either side), he offers width, creative penetration and ability to cut inside.

⚽️ On-ball characteristics:

• Receives in tight spaces, retains under pressure, looks to progress play.

• Good vision for medium-long range passes, and dynamic enough to make runs or support the attack.

• Described as creative and technically sound rather than just physically dominant — meaning his value is in brain + skill rather than solely athleticism.

⚽️ Off-ball/defensive contribution:

• Versatility suggests willingness to track back, but detailed defensive metrics are limited so this may be a developmental focus.

• His sabbatical means initial match fitness/conditioning might lag peers short-term, so transitional support is beneficial.

⚽️ Mentality & character:

• Strong self-motivation (took a sabbatical to ensure his wider career; ready to return).

• Reports describe him as “a nicer lad you couldn’t meet” (quote from Cardiff’s U21 staff) which bodes well for dressing-room fit.

• Ambitious: his move to Welling United and comments about being part of a promotion-challenge show drive.