“49ers Steal Leeds United’s Star Target in SHOCKING Last-Minute Heist for Rangers – You Won’t Believe Who They Snagged!”

With Sam Byram out of contract and Junior Firpo on the verge of rejoining Real Betis, Leeds United are facing a shortage of full-back options.

Jayden Bogle was the only full-back consistently used last season, while Isaac Schmidt featured sparingly and was often deployed as a winger rather than a true attacking full-back.

This leaves head coach Daniel Farke and the club’s ownership, the 49ers, with limited depth in that area.

Although it was initially believed that Paraag Marathe would take a step back from day-to-day involvement at Leeds following his new role with Rangers, the Scottish club’s transfer business is now clashing with Leeds’ own plans.

A clear example of this is the pursuit of Bournemouth’s Max Aarons — a player Leeds have monitored for several seasons.

Aarons recently confirmed his departure from Bournemouth, following an uneventful loan spell with Carlos Corberan’s Valencia.

He had been a target for Leeds last summer, with Farke especially keen to reunite with the defender, who thrived under him at Norwich City.

A move to Elland Road was nearly completed, with Aarons reportedly at Leeds’ training ground, Thorp Arch, awaiting a medical when Bournemouth swooped in and sealed the deal. Aarons later apologised to Farke for the last-minute change of plans.

Now, just as Leeds hoped to revisit the deal this summer, Aarons is heading for a loan move to Rangers instead.

According to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, the Scottish side — managed by Norwich legend Russell Martin — have agreed to bring him in on a straight loan, with no obligation to buy.

This development forces Leeds to explore other options for full-back reinforcements.

Among the names linked are Konstantinos Tsimikas, Hugo Bueno, and Ben Davies, in addition to Aarons.

Given Byram’s expected departure and Schmidt’s uncertain role, Leeds may need to bring in at least two new full-backs.

Versatility will be key, especially in the absence of Byram, who could play across the backline.

While Bogle provides an attacking option at right-back and Schmidt offers flair but limited experience, the squad would benefit from a more defensively solid full-back as well as a two-way option who can balance attacking runs with disciplined positioning.

Aarons would have offered such flexibility, having played both right and left-back for England’s U-21 side.

However, with that opportunity now gone, Leeds must rethink their strategy to ensure full-back depth and balance heading into the new season.