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Leeds United: Journalist voices concern over major summer transfer

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Image for Leeds United: Journalist voices concern over major summer transfer

Journalist Sam Tighe has admitted he is pessimistic about the arrival of Brenden Aaronson at Leeds United this summer.

The Red Bull Salzburg midfielder will officially complete his move to Elland Road on 1st July after it was announced that Leeds paid £24.7m to sign the 21-year-old at the end of May.

He moved to Austria from Philadelphia Union 18 months ago and the attacking midfielder went on to make 66 appearances for Salzburg.

The USA international helped the club to a second successive league and cup double this year as he scored four goals and provided seven assists in 31 domestic matchesbut Tighe is worried by those numbers.

Speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, Tighe expressed his concern and wondered how the American will get on in a tougher environment. 

Will Aaronson be a success at Leeds?

Yes

Yes

No

No

He said: “There are some negatives here. I don’t think he’s hugely creative.

“He leads the press, I’m not sure about the decision-making – and he doesn’t score enough goals considering he doesn’t create that much, either. I mean, he’s never come close to double figures, and that’s playing for a truly dominant team in a weaker league.

“When you sign a player for a manager and then you move from the manager later on, where does that leave you?

“I have concerns about Brenden Aaronson to Leeds for £25m.”

TIF Thoughts on Aaronson to Leeds…

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This was a low point in Leeds United's history, but how many points did they get in the 2003/04 campaign?

While Tighe did give the youngster praise for his high-energy approach and tenacious tackling – which sees him rank in the 99th percentile for pressures compared to players in Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the past year – it’s what he can do on the ball that he is worried about. 

The 21-cap ace ranks in the 4th percentile, for non-penalty expected goals per 90 among attacking midfielders and wingers in the top five leagues in Europe and the major European competitions with 0.08, while Mohamed Salah leads the chart with 0.56, just to give a bit of context. 

His touches in the attacking penalty area, progressive carries and completed dribbles are all in the 8th percentile or lower, while his 1.13 shots per game is also among the continent’s lowest, so we can see where Tighe is coming from. 

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  • Dean says:

    I think Jesse knows him far more than you do fella. So I suggest you button it and give the kid a break. If at the end of the season you are correct then you can bleat. But until then you can basically do one. Who are you anyway?

  • Mal Reid says:

    I don’t understand the negativity without giving the lad a chance. We have a £50m player in Phillips……….how many goals has he scored?

  • Ropey Wyla says:

    Aaronson I expect, like any player coming into a new league, will need time to adjust. He deserves at least a few appearances before people start panning him.

  • Whitey says:

    Sign Noa Lang

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