Leeds now leading the race to sign £22m “game changer”, it’s bad news for Aaronson…

Leeds is currently at the forefront of the competition to acquire the £22m “game changer,” which spells trouble for Aaronson – opinion

Troubling news for Aaronson: Leeds is ahead in the pursuit of the £22m “game changer”

The second chapter has concluded. Daniel Farke’s Leeds United secured their place in the Premier League during his inaugural season, following the successful promotion in the first chapter of his journey at Elland Road.

The former Norwich City manager made it clear at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season that he had accomplished all his initial goals since joining the club in the summer of 2023, when the Whites were still in the Championship.

Now, the focus of chapter three should be on advancing and striving for qualification in European competitions, which is why the club must support him during the summer transfer window.

Leeds has already demonstrated ambition by securing club captain Etham Ampadu with a new four-year contract amidst interest from other Premier League clubs.

The next move for them this summer is to invest significantly in several new players to elevate the team’s potential and aim for a higher position in the league next season.

Leeds is at the forefront of the pursuit to sign a LaLiga forward.

One of the players who might be let go as part of a wave of new signings is USA international Brenden Aaronson, who netted four goals and provided five assists in 37 Premier League matches this season.

He did not score in his last 21 appearances for the Whites during the latter half of the season, and the club is now looking at a star who could replace him in the lineup for the next term.

As reported by SportsBoom, Leeds United is among the clubs interested in signing Barcelona forward Roony Bardghji in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report indicates that the Whites are leading the charge to sign the Sweden international due to their long-standing interest and an appealing sporting proposition for the player.

Nonetheless, it is noted that Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Everton, and Sunderland are also exploring options to acquire the winger, indicating that there will be significant competition for his signature.

SportsBoom reports that Barcelona is willing to sell the 20-year-old talent, suggesting that an offer of approximately £22m might suffice to secure his services in the near future.

The potential signing of Roony Bardghji by Leeds United poses challenges for Brenden Aaronson.

The club’s interest in acquiring Bardghji this summer could spell trouble for Aaronson, as the young forward may take the American’s position in the starting lineup.

Following the transition to a 3-4-2-1 formation, the USA international has generally occupied the right-sided number ten role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with Noah Okafor positioned on the left when available.

Bardghji managed to start only seven out of his 21 appearances in LaLiga for Barcelona this season, primarily due to competition from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha for a starting spot, yet he still delivered impressive statistics per 90 minutes in the league.

The Swedish winger demonstrated greater creativity than Aaronson, generating an average of 0.73 more chances per 90 minutes, and exhibited superior dribbling skills, achieving nearly three times as many successful dribbles per 90.

Although he had limited starting opportunities in the league for Barcelona, Bardghji showcased his talent in the Supercopa in January, contributing one goal, four created chances, and two assists in a 5-1 victory against Athletic Club.

The £22m-rated player also displayed moments of brilliance in the Champions League for the Spanish club, creating one ‘big chance’ and providing one assist across five appearances in the tournament.

Bardghji, who has been labeled a “game changer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, could thrive with increased playing time at Elland Road, particularly as a right-sided ten capable of cutting in on his left foot.

His performance for Barcelona, despite limited playing time, indicates that he may have the ability to surpass Aaronson’s effectiveness for Leeds, especially considering his tally of two goals and four assists in ten starts across all competitions.

Consequently, the club’s interest in the LaLiga forward may spell trouble for the American attacking midfielder, who could struggle to secure playing time in the Premier League next season if Bardghji arrives and consistently occupies his position in the starting lineup.