When Leeds United signed Brenden Aaronson last week, the young American may have inadvertently given something away on Jesse Marsch's system changes next season. The Leeds manager was able to keep the side in the Premier League, but this summer he will look to mould his side to fit his vision of how he wants football to be played.
Throughout his time as a manager, Marsch has been open about favouring the 4-2-2-2 formation. This, sees two holding midfielders, two attacking acting as narrow wingers with full-back overlapping - along with two strikers. Speaking to Leeds Live, Aaronson revealed where he felt his best position would be. He said: "I played a lot in attacking midfield and that's my favourite position."
Over the course of the last season, the US international played almost exclusively behind two strikers in a 4-4-2 diamond formation favoured by Matthias Jaissle. However, during his time under Marsch's management, he played in the same role in a 4-2-3-1 or on the right of the narrow wingers in the 4-2-2-2 formation.
ALSO READ: Four potential gems Leeds United could target from top five European Leagues
Realistically, Leeds already have good options for the formation at in midfield, whilst their full-back options could do with being addressed.
But who could partner Patrick Bamford up front? Here we take a look at a potential new signings whilst considering two options within the team.
Options already at the club
Joe Gelhardt
Whatever happens next season, Joe Gelhardt is going to be a realistic option to figure regularly for Leeds United - he's deserved that chance. Whilst only scoring two goals in his first 14 Premier League outings, the 20-year-old has shown enough to prove that he's a capable striker at this level - with so much room and time to improve.
Sam Greenwood
Used in a deeper role last season, Sam Greenwood could be an option to use alongside the likes of Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson and the other attacking midfielders. But he's also shown to be a capable striker, using his body well and linking play - potentially playing a little behind Bamford in order for the Leeds number 9 to play on the last man.
New signings
Takumi Minamino
Leeds United were linked with Japanese and Liverpool forward Minamino in the last transfer window, and a move could materialise with Leeds remaining in the Premier League, with Marsch having a good relationship with the player. Marsch coached Minamino at RB Salzburg, and the player may be looking for a move after a lack of game time this season for Jurgen Klopp's side. Minamino quietly put together a strong season with the Reds, scoring 10 goals and finishing as their fifth top scorer behind Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
Ben Brereton Diaz
Blackburn's Ben Brereton Diaz is a player who has previously been linked to Leeds, who scored 22 goals in the Championship this past season and has seemingly found a new lease of life since he represented Chile at Copa America in the summer. The striker only has one more year left on his deal, and would be more than tempted if offered Premier League football.
Che Adams
A previous target for Leeds United, Che Adams had fallen down the pecking order this past season with Armando Broja, Shane Long, Adam Armstong and Nathan Redmond competing for the striking positions. But Adams still finished as the club's third top scorer with eight goals. Leeds United are said to be interested in a 'Premier League striker' with sources indicating it could be Adams.
Kyogo Furuhashi
Another Japanese striker, Kyogo Furuhashi had an excellent first season in the SPL with Celtics - scoring 12 goals in 20 games. Furuhashi is a pacy attacker with an incredible work rate - something Marsch values highly. Premier League clubs will no doubt be eyeing the Celtic man if he starts next season off as brightly as he had this last campaign.
