Leeds United are expected to increase their bid for Red Bull Salzburg forward Brenden Aaronson, according to The Athletic.
The Premier League club’s new offer to the Austrian champions is likely to be around the £20 million mark. This would be a proportionate rise from the £15 million bid that was previously rejected.
It is unknown at this time whether the improved proposal will be enough to convince Salzburg to sell their 21-year-old talent.
Leeds United Intensify Aaronson Pursuit
Leeds United considering upping their bid for Brenden Aaronson to £20m. The club want him in this window, although if RB Salzburg dig their heels in, it's one which could wait until the summer. Leeds rate him very highly.
w/ @samstejskal https://t.co/RgQAPEBWQq
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 20, 2022
Salzburg Reluctant to Sell
A stumbling block for the deal getting over the line this month is Salzburg’s desire to keep the American attacker.
The Athletic report that the Austrian side does not want to part ways with any of their players. Salzburg is currently leading the Austrian Bundesliga by 14 points so any such reluctance is potentially drawn from the fact that they have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history. Matthias Jaissle’s team faces Bayern Munich in the last 16.
Because of this, Aaronson is stuck between emotions. It is thought understands Salzburg’s position and does not want to leave them in a tough manner, but he also sees the benefit of leaving now and furthering his career under the teachings of Marco Bielsa.
Leeds’ Striker Demand
Leeds are unsurprisingly searching for a forward to give them an added boost. Bielsa’s primary strength has always been how his teams attack. They are electric, intense and creative. Even when they suffer defensive setbacks, Leeds’ attack is there to bail them out.
Due to key players being struck by injuries, Leeds have struggled to gain any consistency or fluidity on the attacking front. In Bielsa’s first season at Elland Road, Leeds’ goals-per-game ratio came to 1.59. This increased to 1.67 during their title-winning campaign in the Championship in 2019/20, and upon their return to the Premier League, the average was 1.63. Bielsa’s Leeds have always been consistent scorers.
But, this campaign has seen Leeds’ goals-per-game ratio plummet to 1.2. The right recruitment is needed to fit Bielsa’s style and Leeds have chosen Brenden Aaronson as a player who fits the profile. It is reported that Leeds want to secure the American this winter but may be forced to wait until the summer to sign him if Salzburg does not budge.
The clock is already ticking down to the end of the transfer window and what Leeds decide to do will be crucial for the teams fighting to survive in the Premier League.
Main Photo
