Leeds United are likely to be in the market for a new attacking midfielder before the deadline and one on the Elland Road radar has just earned huge praise from Mauricio Pochettino.
Brenden Aaronson continued his run of 26 consecutive Championship starts on Wednesday night as the USA star remains central to Daniel Farke’s plans. But, his form has been inconsistent throughout 2024-25.
Many say Aaronson continues to be picked because Leeds lack another no.10. That is despite Daniel Farke saying Aaronson is capable of Zinedine Zidane-like passes. He was key in creating Leeds’ first last night.
Leeds have been linked with Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia, and Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News there is a good chance of Leeds landing Buendia. But, he started in the Champions League for Villa on Tuesday.
Leeds United target Diego Luna impresses Mauricio Pochettino
Leeds are also being linked with Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna. It comes after the playmaker won the MLS’ Young Player of the Season award for his form during the 2024 campaign, having a hand in 17 goals.
With Luna rated at £7m, he is certainly affordable. This month, Luna was called up by Mauricio Pochettino for a USMNT training camp that saw Pochettino’s men take on Costa Rica and Venezuela in friendlies.
Luna got 25 minutes in a 3-1 win over Venezuela and then in the early hours of Thursday morning, he started against Costa Rica but suffered a broken nose early on. However, Luna remained until half-time.
Shortly after his facial injury, Luna laid on an assist for US’ first goal in a 3-0 win. Pochettino spoke to TNT Sports after the game and heaped praise on Luna, with the Leeds target urging he remained on the pitch.
Pochettino told TNT Sports, as per The MLS website: “I was very surprised, because it was broke, you know? But I didn’t want to say nothing [with] too much drama, because [it might] scare him.
“I said, ‘How do you feel?’ He said, ‘Please coach, let me keep playing, because at least after the half, I go out.’ The doctor said, ‘Yeah, OK, OK, you go in.’ And the first action, assist. Big balls,” Pochettino recalled.
What manager Pablo Mastroeni said about Diego Luna
Luna has now entered the last two years of his contract at Salt Lake, and while the MLS club will be keen to keep him, they will be well aware that Luna’s potential far exceeds a career in American soccer.
Speaking about Luna, his manager Pablo Mastroeni told The MLS site: “His attitude is infectious. When he’s playing from that space, he not only becomes a great player, but he brings the other players along.”
Whether Leeds make a move before the end of the January window remains to be seen. But there is an interest from the Yorkshire club and it will be interesting to see if the Whites do any business at all.
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