Leeds United have a “total agreement” in place to sign Brenden Aaronson this summer, for a fee rising to €30million, it has been claimed.
Aaronson was a major target for Leeds United in the January transfer window. However, they saw some bids rejected by RB Salzburg. Consequently, they went without a winter reinforcement.
For a long time, there was a feeling they would pay the price for not strengthening. Leeds were in a relegation battle right up until the final day.
But they managed to escape the drop with a dramatic win over Brentford, while Burnley lost at Newcastle to go down.
Now, Leeds can begin planning for what they hope will be a smoother season in the top flight. It will be the first season Jesse Marsch starts as their manager.
And he could be joined by a compatriot in the playing squad. After all, Leeds are closing in on the signing of USMNT midfielder Aaronson – who used to play under Marsch for his current club in Austria.
It has been reported that sporting director Victor Orta had an agreement with Salzburg that was just waiting for Leeds to secure survival before Aaronson could become theirs.
Now, various sources have been indicating that a deal is close for Leeds to sign the 21-year-old.
According to German Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenburg, there is now a “total agreement” between Leeds and Salzburg for the transfer.
The attacking midfielder will therefore soon take a medical to move the transfer into its closing stages.
Plettenburg confirms the cost of the deal for Leeds will be between €28m and €30m (£23.8m to £25.5m). The Whites have only ever broken the £20m barrier to sign three players before: Rodrigo, Dan James and Rio Ferdinand.
To finally land Aaronson, they are ready to make a similar spend. Consequently, he looks likely to become their first signing of the summer.
Respected sources closer to home like Phil Hay of The Athletic are also confirming Leeds “will sign” Aaronson.
Aaronson first of a few important captures
After being relatively modest over the last couple of transfers during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, it may benefit Leeds to look to invest more this summer.
Injuries to key players in 2021-22 nearly cost them a place in the Premier League due to a lack of squad depth. Fortunately for their sake, they stayed up right at the end.
But Leeds would be more comfortable next season if they can increase their number of playing options. What’s more, a potential sale of Raphinha heightens their need for an attacking midfielder.
Having retained Premier League status, Leeds can command a big sum for the Brazilian. Hence, they should be able to put that money back into a few smart signings.
Given his prior relationship with Marsch, Aaronson may be a sensible addition. What’s more, at his age he has plenty of room to develop, as Leeds look to as a club too.
