Add as preferred source on Google
Leeds United are expected to announce the signing of James Trafford sooner rather than later, the club’s third summer arrival – and a player Daniel Farke knows closely could be no.4.
Trafford solves the biggest problem in Leeds’ starting XI at the moment. Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow have gone, and Lucas Perri is expected to follow the duo out of the door after Trafford is announced.
What do Leeds United still need in the transfer window? 💸
Wilson, Muharemovic and Trafford have signed.
Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images
But plenty of other problem positions remain. Cover at left-back, the need for another midfielder, an attacking midfielder that can play out wide too, and then competition for striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Bringing in a full-back that can play on both sides as a replacement for Sam Byram makes sense. It is perhaps why Leeds are now being linked with one of Daniel Farke’s old players, in defender Max Aarons.
Max Aarons apologised to Daniel Farke back in 2023
Aarons has failed to live up to the hype since he broke into the Norwich City side during Daniel Farke’s reign at Carrow Road. He was linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, like Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
But he would remain with Norwich after relegation, eventually joining Bournemouth in the summer of 2023. However, many had expected he would be joining Leeds three years ago, Farke’s first summer.
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images
At the time, Aarons was on his way to do a Leeds medical when Bournemouth hijacked the Whites’ £12m deal. The right-back opted for Premier League football over a reunion with Farke, and he apologised.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Following his move to the Vitality, Aarons posted a statement on social media in which he shared his admiration of Farke. Three years on, Farke may finally get his wish and reunite with Aarons at Leeds.
“I want to say the biggest thank you to Daniel Farke, the man who gave me my debut and believed in me. The last few days have been a whirlwind and I’m massively grateful for everything he has done for me.”
What Farke has said about Aarons in the past
Farke oversaw most of Aarons’ time at Norwich City, heaping praise on the right-back after he reached 100 appearances for the Canaries. Aarons has since been on loan at Valencia and then Rangers.
Photo by Ian Walton / POOL / AFP via Getty Images
“Max is an outstanding player. I can’t praise him enough for what he has done since his first game. From this moment, he has been improving and growing on a daily basis,” he told Norwich’s website.
“To see his development as a person as well is great. He is unbelievably humble and keeps his feet on the ground. He was named as one of the best young players in this league recently,” Farke continued.
“He is now an experienced player, even though he is still very young. There is still even more to come. He knows he can work on his end product to assist a bit more and to score a bit more.”
Why Leeds are considering Aarons now
With Byram gone, Leeds lack that quality back-up when James Justin is unavailable or playing in a back three. Ultimately, Leeds have just three senior full-backs for two positions and obviously, more is needed.
DISCUSS: Max Aarons is the ideal replacement for Sam Byram 👏
Leeds have been linked with Aarons again.
Aarons is done at Bournemouth. He’s been sent on loan twice, but he has three years remaining on his contract at the Vitality. He needs a move and reuniting with Farke gives him a chance of game time.
It could well be that Leeds initially organise a loan deal for Aarons given the length of contract left on his contract, but Bournemouth may want a sale. If Leeds did buy him, he would surely be on the cheap side.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox