Leeds United boss Daniel Farke was keen on signing an attacking midfielder at the start of last season. However, the club failed on their attempts to sign one.
Farke then chose to give Brenden Aaronson a chance in the first team, and the American made the spot his own. The decision came as a bit of shock to fans as Aaronson was one of the players who immediately sought a move away when Leeds were relegated. But the midfielder more than made up for it with his performances this past season.
Nine goals and two assists helping Leeds reach the Premier League. It was his highest goal tally in his league career. Aaronson acknowledged how well he did when he reflected on his campaign on international duty with the USA:
“I had a really good start to the season and I just rode that wave all the way to January. I had a good run of 20-25 games at a high level…”
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Leeds United miss out on deal for midfield star
Credit: Imago Images
An attacking midfielder is still on the club’s radar this summer. And according to reports, it will ultimately come down to a decision between Emi Buendia and Gus Hamer. Manchester City’s James McAtee is also a target, but Leeds stand an outside chance with him.
This week, reports from Netherlands claim that Leeds passed up on the opportunity to sign one of the Eredivisie’s best players this summer. Dutch outlet Tubantia stated that Leeds United were one of the teams eyeing midfielder Sem Steijn.
Steijn had 27 goals and seven assists last season, and he sealed a move to Feyenoord last week for £9.5million. The report claims that Feyenoord were ”stunned” that they had a straight path to sign the 23-year old.
Current plans for midfield options
Leeds are still pursuing a deal for Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach. Reports from Germany have revealed on Thursday that the Bundesliga side are looking for a fee around £17million.
As for Sean Longstaff, the club are now deciding on whether to submit another bid for the Newcastle star.
How good is Sem Steijn?
Steijn was one of the best players in the Eredivisie last season, his 27 goals was the highest in the league during the campaign. His seven assists saw him tied for the top 10 in the category.
Credit: Danishscout
His style is more of an old fashioned support striker, he operates around the box and has an eye for goal. For that £9.5million fee, he could have easily been a replacement for Brenden Aaronson, but Leeds will now need to find an alternative.
