Leeds United appear to be confident in signing Brenden Aaronson this summer...
What's the word?
The Yorkshire outfit saw two bids of £15m and £20m rejected by RB Salzburg for the American midfielder but according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, they are likely to try again at the end of the season.
"They’ve got to be at a valuation which isn’t extortionate, remains good value for the club, and isn’t eye-wateringly more than what they would pay in the summer – which, in the case of Aaronson, looks like possibly the way they’ve seen it," he said to 'The Blue, White and Yellow' podcast.
“[Leeds] definitely could have offered more money for Aaronson this month, but they feel that with all those factors thrown into a big pot, they feel that it’s better to wait for him in the summer.
“I don’t think there’s going to be any issues with Aaronson himself as a player and personally wanting to come to Leeds. But in terms of negotiating with Salzburg, Leeds clearly believe that a summer move for him is going to make more sense for the club as a whole moving forward.”
Positive news
Whilst the Whites failed to sign anyone during the January transfer window, much to the disappointment of the fanbase and likely Marcelo Bielsa too, it is certainly encouraging to learn that the club are confident of landing one of their top targets at some point.
Aaronson is a huge talent and has impressed during his time in Austria.
As per Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old gem has delivered three goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, including vital goals in the Champions League and also taking his total to ten goals and 12 assists across 51 appearances.
His domestic form has seen him capped 15 times by the USMNT, also earning the nickname of 'The Medford Messi' and comparisons to fellow countryman Clint Dempsey.
Aaronson has been a star performer in UEFA's top competition this term , too. He ranks amongst the top 1% of midfielders for pressures in the final third (27.84 per 90), which results in a forced turnover of possession 8.55 times per 90, as per FBRef.
It is no wonder Salzburg wanted to keep him ahead of their clash with Bayern Munich.
Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the maestro, who has been dubbed "silky" by ex-MLS star DeMarcus Beasley, would be an exciting addition for the Elland Road faithful but they'll have to wait until next season for that to come to fruition.
Smyth's latest update after deadline day should provide plenty of encouragement.
AND in other news, Marcelo Bielsa dropped a huge transfer howler at Leeds this January...