The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 30th December) It's time to get behind Aaronson
It's time to get behind Aaronson
It’s well and truly time we get behind Brenden Aaronson. Whilst it's fair to say that whilst the “Medford Messi” failed miserably to wow the Elland Road faithful when he first arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2022, his battling qualities and never give up attitude is beginning to tell. He arrived with a £25m price tag, and massive expectations , but spent most of his first season falling over as often as Bambi on ice, earning him a less than favourable reputation.
When Leeds were relegated, Aaronson invoked a clause that let him head out on loan, but the 24‑25 campaign in the Championship proved to be his breakout. Leeds clinched the title, and when Georginio Rutter bolted for Brighton, the now 25‑year‑old was thrust into the play‑maker’s seat, a role that was alien to him. Still, Aaronson answered the call with a credible, if unspectacular, display, threading passes and carving space where none seemed to exist.
Back in the Premier League, his evolution has been steady. Switching fluidly between a box‑to‑box midfielder / right‑winger, he’s added muscle, cut out the falling over, and has picked up the most free‑kicks this season. Yes, he still loses the ball at times, but that’s a by‑product of his relentless willingness to put himself into the thick of the action: tracking back as the last line of defence, battling in midfield, then sprinting into the final third. He simply never quits. Those qualities have not gone unnoticed. In a candid LUTV interview, Aaronson summed up his mindset:
“100 per cent. Rhythm and momentum are huge in this league. Look at Aston Villa – they’ve had ten‑eleven games with a win, same with a few other teams. When you get momentum, you pull away from everybody. Fulham have nine points in a row, three wins in a row – you just keep pulling ahead. So we have to keep the momentum, it’s huge for us.” He added a note of confidence about the upcoming clash: “It’s going to be a tough away game at Liverpool but we’re up for it. We’ve done great away from home in recent times and we’ve got to keep doing it.”
Aaronson’s grit, his willingness to adapt, and his ever‑growing influence on the pitch make him a massive asset to Daniel Farke. It’s now time to get fully behind a player who refuses to hide behind the bench, who fights back against the odds, and who, with each sprint, each tackle, each free‑kick, reminds us of the battling qualities that will be needed this season if Leeds are to survive this season.
Valencia in talks about £9m Harrison capture
Jack Harrison could be packing his bags for a January exit, and the rumour mill at Elland Road is already buzzing with what‑if scenarios. Daniel Farke faces massive decisions in the winter market: can he afford to trim the squad so he can bring fresh faces in?
For the former Manchester City academy ace, the writing has been on the wall ever since joining Everton on loan while Leeds fought for promotion in the last two seasons. His Merseyside stint yielded a single goal involvement in 50 appearances, and that drought has followed him back to Yorkshire. This Premier League campaign Harrison has featured only 11 times one of those a start, and has managed just one goal contribution in total.
Enter former Leeds assistant manager Carlos Corberán, who may just become Harrison’s saviour. The Spanish daily Marca reports that they have already shortlisted the winger as a January target, and talks are said to be underway about a possible £9m move. Valencia already have Largie Ramazani on loan, but the Belgian’s spell in La Liga has been largely invisible, with no starts to his name and a recent injury hampering his progress. If Valencia decide to snap up Harrison, Ramazani’s already fragile chances of breaking into the first team could slip further away.
Leeds budget constraints make a sale sensible, his weekly salary is said to be £90,000 per week, money which would could be better invested elsewhere. While it’s not yet clear whether the winger himself is keen on a move to Spain, the consensus among insiders is that a January exit, Valencia or otherwise, is the most logical outcome for all parties. The picture is clear: Jack Harrison’s Elland Road chapter is winding down. Whether the next stop is the Mediterranean sunshine of Valencia or another surprise destination, Leeds need to raise funds if they are to compete for new signatures in January.
Championship clubs line up for Piroe
Joel Piroe is suddenly at the centre of a January transfer tussle, with Ipswich Town and Leicester City both reportedly eyeing a move for the 26yo striker. The 24/25 Championship golden boot winner has a host of admirers outside of the top flight, and with a £250m promotion boost on the line, he will be a man in demand come Thursday when the January transfer window opens. Leeds aren’t in any rush to let him go, at least not without an upgrade. According to recent reports, the Elland Road outfit plans to hold onto Piroe beyond the January window, determined not to weaken their frontline options
Ipswich Town, under Kieran McKenna, are building something exciting and believe Piroe could be the final piece in their attacking puzzle. Leicester are finding life in the Championship a little harder second time out, but are also keen to bolster their firepower and see Piroe as an ideal fit for their high-tempo style. But competition for his signature might not be enough. Leeds won’t entertain offers unless they can secure an upgrade.