Transfer expert Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Leeds are struggling to afford the finances required to bring in RedBull Salzburg wonderkid Brenden Aaronson. Leeds saw a £15million bid rejected last week.
Aaronson, 21, emerged as a proper target for Leeds over the past week – with the 15-time USA international sparkling in Austria. Joining Salzburg from MLS side Philadelphia Union in January 2021, he has played 51 times.
There has been talk that after their initial offer, Leeds would return with an improved offer for Aaronson. Express journalist Ryan Taylor reports that Leeds could up their bid, and table a “sneaky” £22million offer for him.
But Jones offers a different update. He says that he has heard Leeds are struggling to raise the funds necessary to bring in Aaronson. It is believed Salzburg are keen to keep him until after the 2022 World Cup.
“Leeds are definitely struggling with this Brenden Aaronson deal as I understand it for this window. They don’t have fortunes to throw around at the moment,” Jones reported, as per Give Me Sport.
Jones on Aaronson: Leeds move looking more likely in summer
Salzburg’s desire to keep him, at least for their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich – the club’s first-ever knockout outing in the competition – looks likely to scupper a move for Aaronson.
If anything has taught us about Leeds’ previous transfer pursuits, is that interest in a player in one window does not dissipate in the next. Dan James, Ryan Kent and more have all been continually pursued.
Leeds will be more willing to spend money in the summer, especially if they remain in the Premier League – which still looks likely. It might suit all involved if Leeds bring in Aaronson come the end of the season.
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