Leeds linked with surprise move for USA star turning heads in Champions League

Leeds United are reportedly casting admiring glances towards USA midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who is emerging as a prospective transfer target for 2022.

The Whites are busying themselves for what will surely be an important January window. After a season of struggle so far, Leeds need new players through the door to solidify a squad ravaged by injuries and threatening their Premier League place. Indeed, with 18 games played, Leeds currently lie 16th, just five clear of the drop zone.

Attracting the right sort of player will be key for Leeds next month. Indeed, Marcelo Bielsa has spoken previously as to why he will only like to bring in players better than those already at his disposal.

Furthermore, the club don’t have a great recent record when it comes to attracting new signings in January.

That said, Leeds are seemingly looking to bring in more midfielders. An injury to Kalvin Phillips has left them short in the centre of the park. And but for the returning Adam Forshaw, Leeds would have been in a real pickle for options.

Among those they are reportedly keen on are Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien. To that end, a report last month suggested a deal for Leeds was nearing.

However, longer term Leeds know they will need to add more quality to their ranks. Indeed, they are reportedly looking to bring in a creative midfielder capable of unlocking the tighest of defences. In other words, a successor to the much-missed Pablo Hernandez.

Key player for Salzburg

As such, reports claim Leeds are “seriously interested” in USA midfielder Aaronson.

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The 21-year-old plys his trade for Red Bull Salzburg and has caught the eye in the Champions League this season.

As per MLSsoccer.com, he’s a player well known to Leeds director of football Victor Orta.

Capable of playing as a No 10, in central midfield or on either wing if required.

He moved to the Austrian giants for a fee of £4.5m over the summer, emerging as a key player for them.

Any deal is likely to set Leeds back around three times that fee – and any move is likely to be on hold until the summer.

Brenden Aaronson has qualities needed at Leeds

After joining Salzburg, Aaronson told Salzburg’s website that Steven Gerrard was the player he aspired to be like as a youngster.

He also said he joined the club as they play “fast, direct and attacking football”, which he loves.

When it came to describing his own game, Aaron said of himself: “I’m about a lot of creative work.

“I work hard, I’m aggressive, I like to pick holes in defences and provide assists.”

Aaronson also has an admirer in USA great DaMarcus Beasley, who has described the midfield talent as “silky”.

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