- 9 hours ago
Liverpool's midfield answer? This USMNT star would be a bargain!
Leeds United's Brenden Aaronson is expected to leave the club this summer - could Liverpool be a suitable destination for him?
The young attacking midfielder impressed at his boyhood club Philadelphia Union in MLS and subsequently earned himself a move to Red Bull Salzburg, where he continued to perform at a good level.
Last summer, he became part of Jesse Marsch's American revolution at Leeds United, which never got off the ground and ultimately faltered. Marsch was eventually sacked, his replacement Javi Gracia followed suit just a few weeks later and Leeds ended up getting relegated from the Premier League.
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Perhaps it was too big a step too soon for 22-year-old Aaronson as he struggled to have any kind of real impact - mustering just a goal and three assists - despite playing the joint-most games for his side. As the Athletic has revealed, the youngster has a relegation clause in his contract, and he is expected to leave just a year after signing.
Suited to Klopp's style?
The report went on to say that there are no ongoing negotiations as yet, but it got us thinking about potential destinations for the USMNT star. Despite his lack of production this season, we think that he could actually be an option for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
On the financial side, he would be cheaper than some of the names Liverpool have been linked with for their midfield rebuild. The Athletic didn't mention any details of his clause but they said Leeds would want to recoup their investment - around €30 million. It wouldn't be the first time Klopp and company have looked to a relegated side for a decent value-for-money deal.
Then there is the stylistic fit. There is still plenty of potential in the 22-year-old and he does have a fair amount of Premier League experience under his belt now.
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Moreover, having played at Philadelphia, Salzburg and under Marsch, it shouldn't take Aaronson long to come to grips with some of the basic tenets of Klopp's system as the ones employed by the clubs mentioned and that of the German are similar - though, admittedly, Klopp has tinkered with his style quite a bit lately.
It certainly wouldn't shock us if Liverpool took an interest in Brenden Aaronson.