Leeds United plotting move to sign AFC Bournemouth star who Farke knows well | OneFootball

Leeds United are eyeing a potential reunion between Daniel Farke and an ex-Norwich City player

Leeds United are readying a move for Bournemouth defender Max Aarons ahead of the end of the transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Daniel Farke is eyeing a reunion with the former Norwich City full-back, having worked together at Carrow Road in the past.

Aarons made the switch to the Cherries last summer, and made 20 appearances in the Premier League for Andoni Iraola’ side in the 2023/24 campaign (all stats from Fbref).

The defender struggled for game time in the second half of the campaign as the top flight club came 12th in the table.

He was also not selected for the team’s opening game of the new season, a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, which could open the door for his potential exit ahead of the 30 August transfer deadline.

Leeds United eye Max Aarons move

It has been reported that Leeds are considering an approach to sign Aarons on loan from Bournemouth in a bid to bolster their defensive options.

Farke is keen to work with the 24-year-old again, having enjoyed promotion success together twice during their time at Norwich.

Aarons was a key figure for the German when he was in charge of the Canaries, and he could play a similar role for Leeds if this deal goes through.

The full-back can provide cover on the right flank, and bring competition to Jayden Bogle’s position within the team.

The Whites lack defensive reinforcement, especially if Bogle were to be injured, so it is an area that will need to be strengthened before the market shuts.

It has been a busy summer market for Leeds, and it could be an even busier final week as speculation swirls around Elland Road.

The Yorkshire outfit have missed out on the signings of Jack Clarke and Bashir Humphreys (interest reported by Teamtalk and Football Insider), with the pair heading for Ipswich Town and Burnley respectively, via the BBC and the Evening Standard.

Despite missing out on these deals, their interest indicates their desire to strengthen the squad before next Friday.

Max Aarons’ Norwich experience

Aarons was a regular presence in the side during Farke’s time in charge of Norwich, playing 41 and 45 times in the two promotion campaigns to the Premier League (all stats from Fbref).

The full-back also made 36 appearances in the Premier League under the German in his first full season in charge of the team at that level.

If he signs for Leeds, then he will provide strong competition for Bogle, and could even earn his way into becoming a regular starter.

However, it remains to be seen whether Bournemouth will agree to such a move before the window closes.

Aarons reunion could be good business for Leeds

A loan move for Aarons could be a smart move to strengthen the overall squad before the end of the summer.

If it was the only move they pulled off then it would certainly be underwhelming, as it’s reinforcing a position more so than improving.

But if he arrives alongside two or three other additions then supporters should be pleased with the club’s business to end the window.

There is a lot of pressure on Leeds to get deals over the line, and a loan move for Aarons would be an affordable one that can still allow them to complete permanent deals elsewhere in the squad.