Daniel Farke favourite exposed as World Cup highlights Leeds transfer concern

Four Leeds United players – Brenden Aaronson, Noah Okafor, Ao Tanaka and Gabriel Gudmundsson – are part of the World Cup this summer for their respective national teams.

Noah Okafor remained an unused substitute in Switzerland’s 1-1 draw against Qatar on Saturday night. However, Gary Neville’s criticism indicated that the Leeds star could soon start for the Swiss.

Aaronson’s United States also made a glorious start to the World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday night to signal that the home team will be a force to reckon with.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s decision not to use Aaronson in the win has indicated a concern that Leeds need to address in the upcoming transfer window.

Leeds need a solution for Brenden Aaronson

Brenden Aaronson has a year left on his contract at Elland Road, and this summer, Leeds need to make a decision on his future at the club.

The Whites cannot afford to let him run down his contract and leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Leeds either need to offer him a new deal or find a way to sell him for a significant fee in the upcoming summer transfer window.

And Pochettino’s decision showed moving on from Aaronson this summer may be the best option for Leeds ahead of the new season.

He could not even get off the bench in one of the United States’ finest performances and looked out of place in a vibrant national team.

However, at Leeds, he is almost a certain starter as his willingness to work hard is something that makes him such a favourite of the Whites boss.

But the World Cup opener exposed the fact that Leeds may do well to sell him and bring in a quality replacement in the upcoming transfer window.

Leeds need an upgrade on him

The Whites have a huge decision to make on Aaronson this summer, and it could end up defining the club’s upcoming transfer window.

Farke remains a huge admirer of the player, but the club need to decide whether Aaronson has done enough in the final third to deserve a new contract.

Aaronson’s attacking output is nothing extraordinary; it is his work ethic that keeps him in the team. However, that should not be enough for a manager who wants to take the squad to the next level.

This is the ideal opportunity for Leeds to sell the American and bring in a proper upgrade who adds real attacking quality to the squad.

The World Cup has exposed Aaronson’s real quality, and it is easy to see why many feel Leeds need an upgrade in attacking midfield.