Chelsea kicked off the year in the most Chelsea way imaginable: firing their manager.

Enzo Maresca’s departure was announced on New Year’s Day, and within a week, Liam Rosenior was announced as his permanent replacement.

The former Strasbourg manager might be a relative unknown to most Premier League fans, but he made quite an impression in France, winning 32 of his 63 games in the dugout, drawing 14 and losing just 17.

However, managing in the toughest league in the world is something else entirely, but Chelsea can help him get off to the best start possible by making some signings this month, and if reports are to be believed, the manager has already identified someone who could be the club’s next Reece James.

Rosenior wants Chelsea's next James

It’s been a campaign of mixed performances for Chelsea’s squad so far this season, with the likes of Jamie Gittens and Tosin Adarabioyo underwhelming, while Moises Caicedo and Estevao have impressed.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

However, when it comes to picking out the club’s best player so far, it can only be one man: James.

The right-back-turned-midfielder has been immense in all phases of play, and in games against Arsenal and Manchester City, was the best player on the pitch.

It’s therefore hardly a surprise that new boss Rosenior is keen for the club to bring in another international star not too dissimilar to his captain.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims the manager has already identified Trent Alexander-Arnold as one of his top targets for this month.

The report has revealed that the new boss sees the Englishman as the perfect signing for the right-back position and would like to sign him on a short-term loan with an option to buy.

Interestingly, Real are not opposed to shipping the former Liverpool player off, but wouldn’t want to loan him out; they would rather do so for a fee of at least €40m, which is about £35m.

It would be a hugely shocking transfer, but given Trent’s sensational ability, one that Chelsea should go all out for, especially as he could be another James-esque signing.

Why Trent could be Chelsea's new James

The first similarity between James and Trent, and one of the main reasons Chelsea should be looking to get this deal done, is that the Real Madrid star is an offensive monster.

Now, the Blues captain is also a defensive powerhouse, but at their best, the two full-backs are excellent attacking weapons.

For example, during his time on Merseyside, the former Premier League winner was a crucial cog in Liverpool’s attack, whether it was his crosses from deep or his ability to play utterly sublime long balls for the likes of Mo Salah to get on the end of.

Moreover, beyond passing the eye test, his underlying numbers showed he was one of the most creative players in the league.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of full-backs for progressive passes, expected assisted goals, passes into the final third, through balls and more, all per 90.

Trent’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.28

Top 1%

Progressive Passes

8.83

Top 1%

Progressive Passing Distance

432.42

Top 1%

Passes Completed (Long)

7.73

Top 1%

Passes into Final Third

7.88

Top 1%

Passes into Penalty Area

2.47

Top 1%

Through Balls

0.46

Top 1%

Switches

1.22

Top 1%

Shots Total

1.71

Top 2%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.76

Top 3%

Crosses

5.82

Top 3%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.73

Top 3%

Key Passes

1.98

Top 5%

All Stats via FBref

In fact, the Englishman’s chance-creating abilities have only become more apparent this season as Arne Slot’s side look far less dangerous without him.

Subscribe to our newsletter for top transfer insights Join the newsletter to get deeper transfer analysis and tactical breakdowns that unpack links like a potential Trent Alexander-Arnold move and clarify how signings would reshape Chelsea’s midfield and full-back options.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Another similarity between the two Englishmen is that they’ve shown an ability to play in different roles.

The Blues captain might be more versatile, but the “generational” Madrid star, as dubbed by content creator Asim Mahmood, has also played in the middle of the park on occasion for club and country.

Therefore, there is no reason to think he couldn’t be a tempo controller from the base of midfield once again.

Finally, both players are full England internationals, and there is every chance that both end up going to the World Cup in the summer.

Ultimately, it would be a hugely surprising deal, but with how much of a game-changer Trent can be, Chelsea should do everything in their power to bring him to Stamford Bridge this month.

Related Chelsea making 'serious' £65m bid for Barcelona star to back Liam Rosenior

The Blues want to make a statement this window.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing to sign a “ridiculous” new forward, who could be brought in as an alternative to RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

Spurs eyeing new forward as Frank sets out to be more attacking

Speaking after the recent 0-0 draw against Brentford, Thomas Frank made it clear that he plans to play a more expansive brand of football in the future, but the present injury situation makes it difficult.

The Spurs boss said: “I think what will 100% happen is that we will score a lot of goals and be much more dominant in a lot of games, but in the current situation with a lot of players out, it makes it more tricky with a lot of games.

“We want us to be free-flowing. I think, a couple of things I want to reinforce positively is the last two away performances. To stand on the foundation we are building was very strong against Crystal Palace and Brentford.”

Ultimately, the Lilywhites haven’t been good enough during Frank’s tenure to date, having suffered disappointing defeats against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Fulham over the past month or so.

As such, the manager must take his fair share of criticism, but the players are also culpable, and it is clear the manager wants to improve his personnel, with an enquiry recently being lodged over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Diomande.

However, Tottenham are also looking at alternatives to the Ivory Coast international, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they are now pushing to sign AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche.

A deal for the forward would be on the expensive side, as the French club are expected to hold out for over £50m, but interest from Spurs persists, having made checks on Akliouche during his side’s 3-1 defeat against Lyon on Saturday.

The north Londoners are looking to make a game-changing attacking signing, and there is plenty of evidence the Monaco star could be a solid addition to Frank’s forward line.

"Ridiculous" Akliouche could tear it up at Spurs

Lauded as “ridiculous” by scout Ben Mattinson, the 23-year-old has been a key player for Monaco over the past three seasons, regularly contributing with goals and assists in Ligue 1.

Maghnes Akliouche’s performance by season

Ligue 1 appearances

Goal involvements

2023-24

28

11

2024-25

32

15

2025-26

16

5

Having impressed at club level, the winger has now been capped five times by France, and manager Didier Deschamps praised him back in November, saying: “Even if there are lots of attacking players and lots of absentees, he has moved up a notch to be more decisive.”

Related Tottenham preparing move for "impeccable" star who could replace Dragusin

Spurs are planning to make a move for a new centre-back this month.

Posts ByDominic Lund

Akliouche is a good age to be a long-term success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and having established himself as a key player for Monaco, while also impressing for France, the right-winger could be capable of immediately pushing for Mohammed Kudus’ starting spot.

Liverpool started 2026 with a labouring draw against Leeds United at Anfield, and it was a match that illustrated the myriad of creative and build-up problems Arne Slot is still puzzling over.

It is quite a thing to have smashed the British transfer record last summer and signed a number of elite attacking players, only to regress so significantly.

Rueful gazes have been cast back at Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, but the South American duo faced their detractors throughout their stints on Merseyside, ebbing and flowing in front of goal. That’s worth bearing in mind.

Alexander Isak, currently out with a broken leg, has been well below the anticipated standard, and Florian Wirtz is flattering to deceive too – might Liverpool already be planning to upgrade on the German playmaker?

Liverpool lining up attacking midfielder

The crux of Liverpool’s problems are of a tactical nature, but Wirtz isn’t blameless. The 22-year-old lacks the creativity, sharpness and athleticism that have been expected after a £116m purchase, though he has undoubtedly gone from strength to strength in recent weeks.

But with Dominik Szoboszlai so strong in a number ten berth, it might be necessary for sporting director Richard Hughes to sign a touchline winger, even if that comes at Wirtz’s personal expense. Liverpool need better balance, smoother fluency, after all.

It appears FSG are on board, with Spanish sources revealing that Liverpool are preparing an offer worth €90m (converting to about £78m) for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is considering his options at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal and Manchester City are also among the interested parties, so the Anfield side will need to act quickly.

Why Rodrygo could be a Wirtz upgrade

Rodrygo, 24, is one of the finest forwards in the world, and if he were to leave Real Madrid this January, he would leave a two-time La Liga and Champions League winner, having posted 70 goals and 55 assists in all competitions.

Los Blancos are nothing if not stacked with talent, and Rodrygo has rightly taken a regular starting berth along with Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe in the frontline in recent years, but he’s suffered a less-than-impressive 2025, going 32 games without a goal before bagging against Manchester City in the Champions League in December.

He’s enjoyed something of an uptick in form in Xabi Alonso’s system recently, but it’s clear to see that Rodrygo needs a change of scenery if he is to establish himself as a talismanic force for a team competing at the apex of European football.

Liverpool could give him that olive branch after many battles in recent years.

Given Rodrygo’s natural skill as a winger and his desire to cut inside and score, he could be just what Slot’s side need, providing more depth and balance than Cody Gakpo and more suitability than Wirtz, whose future surely sits in a more central position.

Subscribe for Rodrygo transfer analysis and Liverpool insights Want deeper transfer context? Subscribe to our newsletter for expert breakdowns of Rodrygo’s potential fit at Liverpool, tactical implications, and clear transfer-market analysis, plus broader football coverage and expert perspectives.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Looking at the respective ‘superstars’ metrics over the past year emphasises this.

Rodrygo vs Florian Wirtz (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Rodrygo

Wirtz

Goals scored

0.31

0.15

Assists

0.19

0.24

Shots taken

2.80

2.15

Shot-creating actions

4.94

4.64

Touches (att pen)

6.40

5.03

Pass completion (%)

85.4

79.3

Progressive passes

4.10

6.25

Progressive carries

5.79

3.20

Successful take-ons

2.34

2.12

Ball recoveries

4.02

4.28

Tackles + interceptions

2.07

1.47

Data via FBref

Rodrygo and Wirtz aren’t too dissimilar as players, but it’s clear that the Los Blancos man is more snappy with his pace, whereas Wirtz is a fleet-footed dribbler, but not someone to dominate up and down the wing.

It is for this reason that Rodrygo would be an ‘upgrade’ on the German international, ironing out the creases in Liverpool’s attacking system, settling the equilibrium that has been out of kilter for a while – Liverpool’s 52% win percentage across the 2025 annual year underscores the depth of Slot’s struggles in the dugout.

That, and the fact that Rodrygo is a “world-class superstar” unto himself, as has been said by Real legend Luka Modric. He has the potential to become a leading man in the Premier League, and he has the track record to confirm this.

Related Henderson 2.0: Liverpool plot move for the "best U21 player in the PL"

Liverpool are eyeing up a summer move for a star who could be their next Jordan Henderson.

Posts ByDan Emery

Everton are enduring a difficult campaign in the Premier League as they have been caught in a battle against relegation to the Championship.

The Toffees are currently one point above the drop zone and Frank Lampard will be hoping to successfully steer the club clear of a first relegation from the division.

In order to do that, he will need to turn around the fortunes of a number of players who have failed to deliver on the pitch this season.

Looking lost

One player who has struggled this term is Brazilian defensive midfielder Allan, who has not been able to kick on after his impressive 2020/21 showing.

BBC radio journalist Dave Downie previously claimed that he is an “imposter” when he plays away from Goodison Park and Toffees reporter Connor O’Neill said that he looked “a little lost” earlier this season.

Lost is certainly an apt word to describe Allan’s season as he has looked way off the pace at times and a shadow of the player he was in his first campaign with the club. In his debut season in England, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.81 and made 3.3 tackles per game – showing that he has the ability to perform at a solid level on a consistent basis in the Premier League.

The £120k-per-week dud’s performances have dropped off this term, averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.61 and making 2.8 tackles per game. He has been dribbled past 2.9 times per game, which is the most in the entire Premier League – 0.8 clear of second-placed Pierre Lees-Melou of Norwich.

Allan has also ceded possession to the opposition a whopping 231 times in 21 matches, completing 80% of his passes in central midfield. He has also lost 55% of his duels overall throughout the campaign, which suggests that he has been unable to impose himself physically in matches.

Therefore, he has been a lightweight for the Toffees in the middle of the park and has looked lost at times with players finding it easy to take the ball past him. The statistics suggest that he is the easiest player to beat on the deck and that it is not a tag that he will want to hold, which is why he has been disappointing for the club.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Lampard will now need to work with him on the training ground to turn his form around and ensure that he becomes an asset rather than a hindrance in the clutch stage of the campaign. If he cannot turn his performances around then it could spell the end of his time in the starting XI as Everton cannot afford to carry passengers in a relegation fight.

AND in other news,  Forget VAR: “Scared” Everton dud who lost 80% duels let Frank down badly on Saturday…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Hellas Verona striker Giovanni Simeone… 

What’s the talk?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Magpies and Atletico Madrid both hold an interest in the centre-forward ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that he is set to be available for a fee in the region of £20.8m (€25m) after the Serie A side sign him permanently from Cagliari at the end of the season.

New Wilson

Eddie Howe can find the club’s new Callum Wilson with a deal to sign Simeone ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as he could be the figurehead of the attack moving forward.

Wilson is the club’s top scorer with six Premier League goals this term and ended the previous season with 12 strikes – four more than any other player. This shows that the Magpies have been reliant on the ex-Bournemouth attacker for the majority of his time on Tyneside, with January signing Chris Wood yet to get off the mark since his switch from Burnley.

Howe will be able to ease the burden on the Englishman by bringing in Simeone to replace what he brings to the side, which will mean that any injury absences he takes will not be as big of a hindrance in the future.

Last month, journalist Toni Padilla claimed he has found “the scoring nose” and his statistics back that up. In the Serie A this season, the Argentine has scored 15 times and provided three assists in 21 starts – his fourth campaign of scoring 12+ goals in the Italian top-flight.

He has proven that he can find the net on a regular basis in the top-flight and this means that he would be able to replicate Wilson’s impact if he is able to adapt to Premier League football, with the pair – who both stand at 5 foot 9 – scoring at a similar rate in the top-flights of their respective countries.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At the age of 26, he is also heading into the prime years of his career and Newcastle could pick him up at the right moment as he continues to blossom. Howe can work with him on the training pitch to ensure that he fulfils his potential and is able to be the prolific goalscorer that his Verona form suggests he is.

His statistics indicate that the predator will be able to come in at St. James’ Park and take over from Wilson on the goalscoring front and become the new frontman for Howe; that is why PIF must get this deal over the line in the summer.

AND in other news, Ashley endured Newcastle howler with “really strange” £15m dud who’s “badly damaged”…

Leeds United’s decision to replace Marcelo Bielsa with Jesse Marsch is a risky one at such a ‘crucial’ point in the season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Marsch makes slow start

Bielsa was sacked as Whites manager late last month, with Marsch coming in to replace the hugely popular Argentine in the Elland Road hot-seat.

Things haven’t worked out for the American so far, however, with a 1-0 defeat at Leicester City last weekend followed up by Thursday’s hugely disappointing 3-0 loss at home to Aston Villa.

Leeds are now in serious danger of returning to the Championship unless Marsch’s methods start paying off quickly, in what is a hugely precarious situation.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Marsch’s inexperience

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke admitted the switch to a coach with no experience in England is a big risk:

“The only thing for me is it was a gamble because he had never managed in the Premier League before.

“Coming in at such a crucial juncture of the season, with 12 games to go, he needed to hit the ground running to try and win over those Leeds fans who were so loyal to Bielsa.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-37/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Only time will tell

While Leeds were clearly struggling badly with Bielsa at the helm, the early signs suggest that it was an error getting rid of him, with supporters deeply unhappy during the Villa game.

The performances under Marsch have been uninspiring, perhaps suggesting the players aren’t too happy with the change either, and they are now arguably favourites to go down, along with Norwich City and Watford.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In fairness to Marsch, he has no time to settle in and needs results from the off – failure to beat Norwich at Elland Road on Sunday really would cause major concerns.

In other news, Phil Hay has given a key Leeds injury update. Read more here.

West Ham United host in-form Aston Villa this afternoon with the Hammers looking to consolidate their place in the top-six after Tottenham’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United yesterday.

David Moyes’ side have won just once in their last six matches across all competitions and will be looking to kick-start a strong end to the season with victory over Steven Gerrard’s Villa, who have won their last three league games.

But who will the Scotsman pick for the clash in East London? Here is how Football FanCast thinks West Ham will lineup.

Fabianski, Johnson, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell, Soucek, Rice, Lanzini, Fornals, Antonio, Benrahma (4-4-3).

The first change from the Irons’ 1-0 defeat at Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday night comes in between the sticks as cup ‘keeper Alphonse Areola drops out in the place of first-choice Lukas Fabiański.

For the most part, the Polish goalkeeper has had a decent campaign, keeping seven clean sheets in the Premier League. However, there was an incident that left David Moyes “furious” earlier this season when the 36-year-old didn’t get contact on a kick against Manchester City.

There are no changes at the back with right-back Vladimir Coufal still sidelined with a groin injury which sees 22-year-old Ben Johnson keep his place.

In the midfield, there are no changes with the switch to a 4-3-3 adding stability in the middle of the park but also more opportunity to counter on the break, through the attacking talents of Manuel Lanzini.

The Hammers’ only striker in Michail Antonio expectedly keeps his place, as does Pablo Fornals on the left flank. However, after another quiet display in claret and blue, Nikola Vlasic drops out for Said Benrahma.

Vlasic has only managed to find the back of the net once in 32 appearances since his £25m move from CSKA Moscow last summer and the £69k-per-week winger is yet to prove his worth.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

There is certainly talent there, with former CSKA Moscow manager Viktor Goncharenko labelling the 24-year-old as “magnificent” after scoring the sole goal in a famous Champions League win over Real Madrid in 2018.

As for Benrahma, the Algerian is yet to score since returning from the African Cup of Nations but has majorly improved in front of goal this term with eight goals and four assists in 35 appearances compared to three goals and seven assists in 36 appearances last season.

Every remaining game the East London outfit play this season is crucial if they’re serious about re-qualifying for European competition next season, with this afternoon’s game against Aston Villa no exception.

In other news: West Ham could swoop for “fantastic” 177-goal star who would be a massive bargain

Newcastle United are now set to make a significant financial loss on Jamal Lewis this summer.

The Lowdown: Left out

The Northern Ireland international is one of three players to have been left out of the Magpies’ 25-man squad for the second half of the Premier League season, with Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden the others not to make the cut after the flurry of January arrivals.

It duly leaves his future at St James’ Park in doubt, given his lack of game-time.

The Latest: Transfer loss

As per Football Insider, a source on Tyneside has revealed that Newcastle have now decided to sell Lewis as part of a major squad overhaul in the summer and will only ask for a transfer fee in the region of £8m.

This would represent a ‘significant loss’ for the Toon, who signed him for £15m from Norwich City in 2020.

The Verdict: Get rid

Selling Lewis for that kind of price would represent a sizeable loss, but given his omission from the Premier League squad, Newcastle simply just need to get rid.

They have already brought in left-back Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa and could make that move permanent, while the likes of Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie could also fill in at that position.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Nonetheless, with the mega riches that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium boast, it should not hit them too hard financially if Lewis is sold at a loss.

In other news, Newcastle are now ‘in the race’ to sign this ‘spectacular’ talent

According to a report from the Irish Independent, Liverpool are set to sign Derry teenager Trent Kone-Doherty. 

The lowdown: Star in the making

The 15-year-old is yet to feature for Ruaidhrí Higgins’ first team but has appeared on the bench this season.

Having represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-16 and Under-17 levels, Kone-Doherty is certainly catching the eye, scoring twice in eight games for his country.

Predominantly a winger, the teenage sensation starred in youth international friendlies against Malta and Northern Ireland, and it seems that may have been enough to convince scouts at Liverpool’s academy to take the plunge.

The latest: Big move pending

According to The Irish Independent’s Daniel McDonnell, sharing the report on Twitter, the Reds are now the ‘clear front runners’ to land the ‘exciting’ youngster.

Citing a six-figure sum as compensation, the Anfield club are seeking to complete a pre-contract deal as soon as possible.

He has also trained with Celtic, according to Liverpool Youth reporter Lewis Bower, so it looks like the Reds are going to get another one over on the Hoops after the news involving Parkhead youngster Ben Doak.

The verdict: Building for the future

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is making a habit of overseeing moves for some of the most exciting talent in recent months.

The Reds have already added and developed Harvey Elliott, Kaide Gordon and Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher into first-team players during the German’s tenure.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Now it appears that moves for Celtic starlet Doak and then Kone-Doherty could be set to join recent academy captures Bobby Clark and Calum Scanlon.

All these signings are clear proof of the club attempting to build a solid foundation for the next generation on Merseyside, whilst also maintaining fierce competitiveness in the here and now.

In other news, Liverpool make ‘offer’ to sign EPL forward. Read more here.

Brenden Aaronson is keen on a move to Leeds United this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s ever-reliable reporter Phil Hay, who delivered a fresh update on the situation of the RB Salzburg midfield in a recent Q&A with supporters.

And they’ll be delighted with what he said:

“The intention is, or certainly was, to bid again for Aaronson. He’s interested in the move, he’s played under Jesse Marsch before and Salzburg are likely to be more open to bids in the summer than they were in January.”

Indeed, the Yorkshire giants failed with two bids during the winter, the latter being in excess of £20m. Meanwhile, Transfermarkt value the USMNT international in the region of £18m.

Sign him up!

When the transfer window does reopen, it’s time for director of football Victor Orta and co to push ahead with signing the 21-year-old maestro at long last.

Leeds have failed to sign a new man for the engine room for nearly four-and-a-half years now, with the last arrival being Adam Forshaw from Middlesbrough in 2018.

It’s no wonder the side have been embroiled in a relegation battle in just their second season back in the big time as they clearly haven’t strengthened enough to remain competitive.

And when you risk losing someone like Raphinha in the summer, new manager Jesse Marsch is going to need plenty of new additions to bolster the playing squad and he should look no further than a player he once managed over in Austria.

The 18-cap dynamo is a hugely talented attacking midfielder with bags of potential and could be worth every penny. He has delivered five goals and ten assists across 35 appearances this season, even delivering in the Champions League, where he ranks amongst the very best indeed.

Across the last year, Aaronson ranks amongst the top 1% of similar midfielders and attackers for pressures in the final third (10.46 per 90) and tackles in the final third (0.5 per 90), as per FBRef.

He also created a whopping five key chances against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, becoming the youngest-ever player to do so since Lionel Messi against Celtic in 2008.

It’s no wonder his manager, Matthias Jaissle, waxed lyrical about his work rate only last month.

“The special thing is, I hardly know any other No. 10 who works so much without the ball,” he said. “He always puts himself behind [on defence], he is a great team player, very hardworking and has a monster mentality.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Meanwhile, former USA international DeMarcus Beasley described his talents as “silky” and elsewhere, he’s been compared to Clint Dempsey, who was quite the hit in the Premier League for Fulham and Spurs.

On the above evidence, the young American would be quite the signing for Marsch and this new era in west Yorkshire, one that could really get Elland Road rocking,

Supporters will be absolutely delighted to have a player like Aaronson, capable of pressing from the front and playing for the badge each and every week. Orta and co must snap him up as their first signing this summer.

AND in other news, Marsch could finally axe shocking Bielsa favourite in summer swoop for “exceptional” 21 y/o gem…