Leeds United look set to complete their first signing of the summer with a move for Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson closing in. The Whites have been chasing Aaronson for a number of months and after their failed January pursuit, have moved quickly to secure his signing with Premier League safety now secured.
Reports emerged after Leeds’ win at Brentford that a deal was close to completion and a deal is expected to be finalised before he heads off for international duty with the USMNT. Here is everything you need to know on the latest of Leeds’ Aaronson pursuit.
Aaronson set for medical
Leeds United target Brenden Aaronson is currently undergoing a medical ahead of a big money move to the club from Red Bull Salzburg. That is according to MLS reporter Tom Bogert, who claims that Aaronson is set to officially finalise his Whites switch ahead of the USMNT games next month.
READ MORE: The major injuries which hurt Leeds United the most this season
A fee of around $30 million (£23.8m) has been agreed between the two clubs, with personal terms also said to be sorted, too. Aaronson will become Leeds’ first signing of what is set to be a very busy summer transfer window.
Aaronson ambition
Brenden Aaronson says he wants to play “at the very highest level” as rumours swirl that is on the verge of signing for Leeds United. The 21-year-old currently plays for Jesse Marsch ’s former side, RB Salzburg, but is rumoured to be on the verge of signing for Leeds United.
According to the Athletic, the initial fee is around £25m. Leeds tried and failed to sign the USA international in January, but the Whites were turned away. Now however, it seems that the deal will finally get over the line.
Speaking in the latest edition of World Soccer magazine about his ambition to step up from the Austrian league, Aaronson said: “For me, the goal is to play at the very highest level and to play in one of the top five leagues. That will hopefully be my next step.”
Where would Aaronson fit?
Brenden Aaronson is set to be Leeds United's first signing of the summer after the Whites secured a third season in the Premier League after a dramatic final day at Brentford. Victor Orta made multiple bids for the American in January but RB Salzburg were determined not to let him leave ahead of the Champions League knockout-tie against Bayern Munich, where he picked up an assist in the first-leg.
However, the Athletic have reported a £22million offer has now been accepted by Salzburg. That means Jesse Marsch has the first piece of the puzzle when it comes to moving the side more towards the style of football that he wants to play.
During his tenure at the club, Marsch has spoken on several occasions about the fact that his team hadn't been able to move closer towards his tactical style. Leeds manager suggested that was due to the high-stress situation of a relegation battle and with many of the players so used to playing in Marcelo Bielsa's unique style, having done so for several seasons.
With Aaronson joining, the muscle memory of Bielsa's style won't be an issue. In fact, the Salzburg forward will have the muscle memory of Marsch's idealized style, having played under him for six months and in a team that play a very similar style for a season and a half.
Read more here.
Premier League safety key
There was much more than a single signing hanging on Leeds United securing their Premier League safety, with the club having worked so hard to return to the top flight two years ago. But with safety assured thanks to a 2-1 win at Brentford and Burnley losing at home to Newcastle United, the club can set about their summer plans under Jessie Marsch with renewed vigour.
That means getting to work in the transfer market and the first deal expected to be completed is that of USA international Brenden Aaronson. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder could have been a Whites player already after two failed attempts to bring him into the club in the January transfer window.
