How Celtic star Daizen Maeda could fit into Leeds United's XI - Brenden Aaronson axed? | OneFootball

We assess how Celtic's Daizen Maeda would fit into Leeds United's team

After securing promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United will be keen to make the necessary additions to try and cement themselves back in the top-flight and avoid the emerging trend of relegation straight back to the Championship.

TBR Football report that the Whites are interested in Celtic forward Daizen Maeda, which got us thinking about how he would slot into the current Leeds side, and what it could mean for players such as Brenden Aaronson.

Maeda would provide an extra element of quality

The 2024/25 season has been another one to remember for the Japanese international, scoring 33 goals in all competitions so far, as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to complete a domestic treble.

A tireless work-rate and the ability to operate from multiple positions in attacking areas adds further value to his asking price, which TBR Football suggest is around the £25m mark.

If Leeds' current boss Daniel Farke remains in charge to tackle the Premier League challenge, then Maeda would suit his philosophy perfectly and is the sort of addition that would be certain to add immediate quality to the side.

In their current style, the 27-year-old’s versatility would allow him to compliment multiple Leeds players, whilst also accommodating for others who might potentially operate in a similar role.

Playing in-behind Joel Piroe would allow two creative influences to combine and cause a real problem for a lot of Premier League defences. The pair’s technical ability would prove crucial in games where chances are few and far between, which by the end of the season can be a decisive factor in survival.

Maeda’s experience on the wing could also lead to a flexible role for the attacker during a game, rotating with those such as Wilfried Gnonto and Manor Solomon, if he signs permanently, to bombard opposition defences and remain unpredictable throughout 90 minutes.

Maeda’s arrival could make for some tough decisions

Despite being a move that would show Leeds’ intent to re-establish themselves at the top of English football, signing Maeda for his estimated price means that the forward would be expected to slot straight into the Whites’ starting 11, which would imply that someone else may have to make way.

If Solomon isn’t re-signed in the summer, there would be an available gap for Maeda on the wing. However, if Farke wants to utilise the Celtic man in a central role, it would most likely be Brenden Aaronson cut from the team.

The USMNT playmaker has put up a decent return this term, but hasn’t matched the type of output Maeda is currently producing, and if Leeds are serious about retaining their Premier League status, they need to be brutal.

Two assists in a Leeds team that has enjoyed dominance over their opposition for a large portion of the season doesn’t flatter Aaronson. However, his tally of nine Championship goals is only bettered by Piroe and Dan James within the Whites’ camp.

As a result, he would be the most obvious component in the Leeds attack to dispatch of in the case of Maeda’s arrival. There’s a chance that the pair could work in conjunction, forming a system with two No.10’s – however, that would require an overhaul of Farke’s current style and is therefore unlikely to happen.