Phil Hay has told his Athletic podcast that he does not believe Brenden Aaronson will “bully” RedBull Salzburg into allowing him to leave and join Leeds this month. The Whites are very interested, and Aaronson is keen.
The 21-year-old midfielder has thrown himself onto the Leeds radar and other European sides after a brilliant 12 months in Austria. He joined the club from MLS side Philadelphia in January 2021, since playing 51 times.
Leeds have made two offers and are said to be considering a third to tempt Salzburg this month – and Hay says Aaronson is desperate to join Leeds. However, Hay also shares whether Aaronson will push for a move.
Salzburg take on Bayern Munich in their first ever Champions League knockout clash – and remain top of the Austrian League. Hay says Aaronson will not force a move, despite being keen to move to Yorkshire.
“From what I understand, he’s really keen on the move but it’s never been his intention to bully his way out of Salzburg mid-season when they’ve got the Champions League to come and they’re top of the Austrian Bundesliga.”
Hay on Aaronson: Leeds are going to have to wait until the summer
Even if Leeds overpaid for Aaronson before the January deadline, the chances are that Salzburg are going to reject a move for the midfielder. They will want every chance of causing an update against Bayern.
They are already 14 points clear at the top of the Austrian division and that looks like a given. But in the Champions League, it is completely new territory. The further they go, the more money they rake in.
If Aaronson can help produce a stunning performance to beat Bayern, then he could repay the cash that Leeds are willing to overpay to sign him. Ultimately, Leeds look as if they will have to wait until the summer.
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