Leeds Preparing to Sign Premier League Defender They Almost Acquired a Year Ago, Says Journalist

While much of the focus has been on strengthening Leeds’ midfield and attacking options, finding a reliable defensive addition is equally crucial.

Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo are currently the first-choice defenders, but both have a history of injury problems. Firpo, in particular, missed nearly the entire first half of the 2023/24 season due to injury.

Sam Byram is Leeds’ only backup for Bogle and Firpo, but he is also injury-prone. Therefore, any new signing must be capable of stepping in immediately and performing at a high level.

Leeds have been linked with Wolves’ Hugo Bueno, suggesting they are considering a left-back.

However, Byram’s ability to cover both sides of the defense means the side on which the new signing prefers to play is not a significant concern.

Leeds Eyeing Move for Bournemouth’s Max Aarons

After Leeds’ draw at West Brom, Daniel Farke admitted that Jayden Bogle has had a challenging start at the club. However, as a £5 million signing, Bogle is not likely to be dropped soon.

Despite his slow start, Bogle remains a strong player at this level and has shown potential in the final third during his initial games. He simply needs more time to adjust.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has reported that Leeds are preparing to move for a player who could provide real competition for Bogle.

According to O’Rourke’s Twitter post, Leeds are interested in signing Max Aarons on loan from Bournemouth, where he has recently fallen out of favor.

With Adam Smith and Julian Araujo now ahead of him in the lineup, Aarons has dropped to third choice.

Southampton had a permanent bid for Aarons rejected earlier in the transfer window.

However, with Araujo’s arrival at Bournemouth, Aarons might now be available, and Leeds are considering a loan move.

Leeds Nearly Signed Aarons Last Summer

Aarons was also a target for Leeds last summer and was on the verge of joining the club until Bournemouth intervened.

Leeds had agreed on a £12 million fee with Norwich City, and Aarons even traveled to Elland Road for a medical.

However, he chose to move to the Premier League with Bournemouth at the last minute.

Max Aarons is well-acquainted with Daniel Farke, having enjoyed the best period of his career under Farke’s management at Norwich.

The opportunity to rejuvenate his career by reuniting with Farke could be appealing if Leeds decide to pursue their interest in him further.