Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Leeds United are in pole position to sign American midfielder Brenden Aaronson in the summer.
Leeds had two bids turned down for Aaronson in the recent January transfer window under former manager Marcelo Bielsa, but his successor Jesse Marsch could be the man to get the deal over the line. Marsch and Aaronson have worked together at RB Salzburg in the past.
Aaronson is a 21-year-old midfielder who has featured 21 times in the Austrian league this season, and there have been reports saying that Leeds are the favourites to acquire his services in the summer.
After Leeds had two bids rejected for the American in January, O’Rourke has reiterated to GiveMeSport that the interest will continue from the Yorkshire club in the summer.
He said: “He’s obviously interested in a move to the Premier League. Leeds are probably in pole position, right now, to get it done. A lot will depend on Premier League survival.”
TIF Thoughts on Pete O’Rourke’s comments…
Interestingly, Aaronson has been described as having a ‘monster mentality’ by current Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle, while he has the same agent as six Leeds players.
After Leeds had a reported second bid of £20m for Aaronson rejected in January, the fee in the summer will likely exceed this. Aaronson has impressed this season, he has got seven goal contributions in 21 league games, has an average of 2.2 shots per game, and created six big chances for his side, as per SofaScore.
Marsch has recently turned around Leeds’ form, as they are now three games unbeaten in the Premier League. If the Whites can ensure top-flight status for next season, that could be crucial in their hopes of signing the young American, as it is unlikely he would want to drop from a Champions League club to a side in the Championship.
Although Leeds were knocked down twice in January by Salzburg in their attempts to sign Aaronson, American boss Marsch could be the deciding factor as they have worked together before and Aaronson could be keen to join forces with him again.