Leeds United want to sign ‘phenomenal’ Sheffield United star, but there’s a problem

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Signing competition for Brenden Aaronson is likely to be Leeds United’s priority in the January transfer window with The Whites pretty well-balanced going into the second half of the season.

Daniel Farke’s strongest XI pretty much picks itself and in the majority of positions, there are two if not more players to choose from. But in the 10 role, Brenden Aaronson has been relied upon by gaffer Farke.

The United States star has started the last 22 of Leeds’ 24 Championship games, not afforded a rest by the Leeds manager. Leeds do have other options, but it would be using players in an unnatural position.

It comes after Leeds failed to sign another no.10 in the summer. Leeds were linked with a whole host of playmakers, but Emi Buendia turned Leeds down while Manchester City chose to keep James McAtee.

• READ MORE: The 19 players linked with Leeds United ahead of the January transfer window

Leeds still interested in Gustavo Hamer after summer bid rejected

Back in the summer, Leeds saw a £13m bid rejected for Gustavo Hamer. Sheffield United retaliated by suggesting Leeds had made a new offer of cash plus Joel Piroe, aimed at unsettling the Dutch striker.

Well, that has hardly worked given Piroe has since had a hand in 14 goals for Leeds this season, scoring nine of his own. Hamer meanwhile, has remained at Sheffield United but hardly shown his best form.

Now, TeamTalk report that Leeds are still interested in signing Hamer. However, Ben Jacobs says a move for Hamer in January is impossible given Sheffield United are Leeds’ direct rival for automatic promotion.

The report states that a move could only be deemed conceivable for the “phenomenal” playmaker if Leeds go up this season, but Chris Wilder fails to deliver Sheffield United back into the Premier League.

Gustavo Hamer and Brenden Aaronson’s 24-25 form compared

At this level, Hamer is on of the league’s best players. Adding the Brazil-born playmaker into the Leeds mix guarantees promotion, but Hamer would cost a pretty penny especially to tempt a move in January.

He would be a stunning signing, not least because he improves Leeds greatly but it also weakens a rival. But realistically, do Leeds really and truly need him? Or, has Aaronson earned a stay of execution?

The stats show that Hamer is enjoying the better season so far, even if he is being used out wide at the moment. But Leeds might be better off keeping their cash for the time being and trusting Aaronson.