Leeds United have joined both AC Milan and RB Leipzig in the race to sign Brenden Aaronson, according to MLSsoccer.com.
Aaronson is an exciting 21-year-old attacking midfielder who has already established himself at senior international level with the USA.
He began his career at Philadelphia Union and joined Red Bull Salzburg in January for an initial fee of $6.5m (£4.85m).
He helped them to the Austrian Bundesliga title last season and has been a regular starter across all competitions so far this campaign.
Bielsa keen on USA star
Aaronson is under contract until 2025 but judging by the calibre of the clubs linked, he won’t be staying in Austria for that long.
The MLSsoccer.com report credits Leeds with interest and suggests that Aaronson could fit into Bielsa’s ‘full-throttle pressing system’.
However, it’s also asserted that it’s highly unlikely he will leave Salzburg this winter, given that they have progressed to the Champions League Last 16 and will be taking on Bayern Munich in February.
Leeds may have to bide their time on Aaronson
Aaronson has an impressive CV for a player who only turned 21 two months ago.
He’s picked up silverware in the States and in Austria and he’s already won 15 senior international caps, bagging five goals for his country.
It does seem unlikely that he’d swap a Champions League run in January for what’s turning into a relegation scrap at Leeds.
A summer swoop could be possible but the Whites may need to act quickly given the interest from high-profile mainland European clubs like Milan and Leipzig.
If it turns into a transfer tussle, Leeds may well have to hope that the lure of Premier League proves to be too strong for Aaronson to resist.
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