According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United are reportedly close to signing Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson for a fee of around £28 million.
Romano reports that the American international has already agreed personal terms with the Yorkshire club, who managed to secure their Premier League status for the 2022/23 season with a 2 – 1 win against Brentford on Sunday, May 22.
Red Bull Salzburg Midfielder Brenden Aaronson Close to Joining Leeds United
Leeds are closing on Brenden Aaronson deal, here we go soon. Full agreement reached with RB Salzburg and paperworks to be prepared soon, deal worth £28m as reported yesterday. ⚪️🇺🇸 #LUFC
Aaronson has already agreed personal terms with Leeds as he wanted Premier League move. pic.twitter.com/NAp9QdytFw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 23, 2022
Months in the Making
It’s no secret that Leeds have been long-time admirers of Aaronson, as the club had multiple bids for the player rejected by Salzburg in the January transfer window. However, now that Leeds have secured their Premier League status, albeit in dramatic fashion, it looks like they will finally get their man.
Aaronson played under Leeds boss Jesse Marsch for the 2020/21 season when he managed Salzburg. Therefore, Aaronson has familiarity with how Marsch likes his teams to play and will likely be a boost as the manager looks to prepare for his first full season in the Premier League.
The club will be hoping that Marsch can bring out the best in his former player and fellow countryman, as they look to avoid another relegation battle next season.
What Could Aaronson Bring to Leeds
Aaronson is a versatile player that can line up in central midfield, out on the wing, or, most likely, as an attacking midfielder. Marsch values positional flexibility and versatility in his system, so having players that can play in a number of positions, like Aaronson, is vital to how the team plays.
During their time together in Salzburg, Aaronson and Marsch enjoyed a successful spell together with the club winning the Austrian Bundesliga and Aaronson chipping in with five goals and five assists in 20 games.
The energetic attacking midfielder continued that form into the 2021/22 season, helping Salzburg once again win the Austrian Bundesliga contributing with four goals and four assists in 26 appearances. The 21-year-old is also suited to Marsch’s intense pressing system as he ranks in the 99th percentile of pressures among other attacking midfielders.
With reports that star winger Raphinha could depart this summer and the club struggling with injuries to key players, Leeds will need to look towards strengthening the squad if they don’t want to repeat another relegation battle next season.
