AFC Bournemouth look set to capture the signature of Norwich City and England U-21 full back Max Aarons after a deal to bring him to Elland Road fell through. 23-year old Aarons could well have been making his way up the A1 before the U-turn, which will now most likely see him line out for the Cherries in the Premier League this season.
No doubt the lure of Premier League football played a major role in attracting the young defender to the south coast where he will be managed by former Leeds target Andoni Iraola. He made a total of 201 appearances for the Canaries, playing in both the Championship and Premier League for the club.
The former EFL young player of the year would have been a welcomed addition to the Leeds squad, but is right back really an area that needs addressing in this window? Luke Ayling has started the season there and will be pushed hard for the shirt when Cody Drameh returns from injury. Sam Byram who recently re-signed for the club could also be deployed in the position and would be a more than capable performer at this level. This begs the question, are we prioritising the wrong full back position?
The need for the club to strengthen at left back has long been a cause of concern for Leeds fans. Leo Hjelde has started the season there but looks far from assured. Sam Byram has looked a better option when brought on but he is predominantly a right full back. Junior Firpo, our only recognised number 3 remains out with injury, and it remains to be seen if he has a future with the club. It would appear that we have significantly better cover on the right than the left, however it is on the right that we have chosen to pursue a new addition.
Perhaps it was the case that Aarons became available to the club and was too good of a player to turn down. In that circumstance it is understandable that the club made a move. If it is the case that the club are actively aiming to recruit a right back, you would have to wonder why they are not choosing to do the same on the left.
With three weeks left of the transfer window a lot can still happen. It could be argued that a lot needs to happen. Much will depend on outgoings over the next 3 weeks, and you would hope the club have plans in place in the event that any player will leave before the window shuts.
The new ownership can truly only be judged after the window closes so it remains yet to be seen if the summer can be classed as a success or not.
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