Back in Daniel Farke’s first summer at Leeds United, everything was up in the air and it meant the German had to work quickly in the final weeks of the window to get new players in.
Victor Orta’s loan clause meant Leeds could not sell any of the eight that left temporarily, including Max Wober and Brenden Aaronson. Two still remain out on loan in duo Rasmus Kristensen and Jack Harrison.
Leeds were hamstrung until the final fortnight with the need for a no.10 as large as it is right now. But, the Whites failed to bring in an attacking midfielder and instead, Georginio Rutter starred from that position.
Aaronson is now back at Elland Road filling that void, but almost 18 months ago, Leeds did come close to signing a Germany international. So much so, he had a tour of Elland Road before a move was cancelled.
Aston Villa now want to sign Mainz playmaker Nadiem Amiri
In the final few days of the 2023 summer window, Nadiem Amiri travelled to Leeds after The Whites agreed a £5m fee with Bayer Leverkusen. But Amiri did not agree a move, and hopped back to Germany.
It left Leeds perplexed. Some reports even suggest Leeds paid for a private jet for Amiri on the way over, but refused to pay for one for his return flight. Amiri remained at Leverkusen until the January window.
The 28-year-old signed for Mainz at the start of the year and has since sparkled. Showing Leeds what they have been missing, Amiri has had a hand in 11 goals in 27 games for the top-tier German outfit.
Such form has caught the eye of Champions League side Aston Villa. BILD reporter Christian Falk said on X that Aston Villa are keen after sending scouts to watch the Germany star, and a fee of £8.3m is needed.
His caption reads: “Amiri is on the list of Aston Villa. Villa scouts were in Mainz to watch the midfielder against Dortmund. Amiri has a contract until 2028. Mainz would start negotiation for offers of €10m.”
Nadiem Amiri and Brenden Aaronson compared since Leeds links
Amiri hardly got a look in at Leverkusen following his links with Leeds. Xabi Alonso used him nine times, seven of which were substitute appearances under 10 minutes apiece, and two hour-long starts.
Amiri v Aaronson since summer 2023:
| Name | Clubs | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Brenden Aaronson | Union Berlin Leeds United | 56 (31) | 2829 | 6 | 3 | 314.3 |
| Nadiem Amiri | Leverkusen Mainz | 36 (25) | 2460 | 5 | 7 | 205 |
But at Mainz, he has thrived. He got a goal and four assists in 15 games in the Bundesliga with Josuha Guilavogui last season, before adding four more goals and two assists this time round for Mainz.
Aaronson meanwhile, struggled with Union Berlin last season and in a weaker division, has nearly the same stats as Amiri in the Championship. Four goals, one assist – Amiri would have been a top signing.
Mainz would start negotation for offers of €10 Mio
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
