Leeds United are reportedly set to secure a £28 million deal for USMNT star Brenden Aaronson as Jesse Marsch kicks off his rebuild at Elland Road.
According to the transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United are closing on the signing of Brenden Aaronson in a deal worth £28 million after they avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League season.
After a thrilling final-day event in the Premier League on Sunday, Jesse Marsch’s men have guaranteed their survival. The brief was simple heading into the game – Leeds needed to better Burnley’s result against Newcastle, but they were made to wait until the very last moment.
Ultimately, Leeds won 2-1 at Brentford in a tense final-day setting, while Burnley lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle. And, despite having been put through the wringer, it was a moment of pure jubilation and excitement of a better future among the Whites’ faithful.
Now it appears the Leeds hierarchy are wasting no time and are keen to make their mark in the transfer window by strengthening their depleted squad with the capture of 21-year-old playmaker Aaronson, who was the subject of two failed January bids.
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
The Premier League club had two bids rejected for the Red Bull Salzburg man, a £15 million proposal followed by a better offer of around £20 million towards the end of the winter window. Salzburg were adamant about not selling the USMNT international midway through the campaign after the Austrian giants qualified for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages for the first time in their history.
However, Leeds director of football Victor Orta was determined to land the talented midfielder and travelled to Austria for transfer talks with Salzburg officials, whereas Marsch’s hiring looked to improve the odds of such a deal occurring.
It is now understood that a summer deal has been agreed between the clubs for a while now, while personal terms with the player were also agreed upon, but their relegation predicament was proving to be a major hindrance. And with that out of the way, Leeds are likely to move quickly and reach a deal in the coming days, with an official announcement expected in the next few days.
Leeds wrapping up a deal to sign Aaronson early in the summer window is an excellent piece of business as it gives them a head-start on their rivals. The 21-year-old attacker is certainly coming off the back of an impressive season, racking up 41 appearances, including six goals and ten assists.
He also featured in eight Champions League games this season, so he has a lot of experience for someone his age. Aaronson’s arrival will add energy and drive to Marsch’s midfield, while his strong American relationship with the former Salzburg head coach will further help him adjust to Premier League demands.
However, this signing comes with a caveat of possible departures as the club will face a tough battle to keep stars like Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips. But with some shrewd business and with exciting talent like Joe Gelhardt coming through their production line, Leeds could cope with a potential blow.
