Amid plenty of talk regarding strikers and central defenders, the attacking midfield position has been somewhat forgotten as a priority for Leeds United.
Of course, Leeds United require fresh faces across almost every area of their team. Daniel Farke’s side have completed the signing of Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol has had a medical in West Yorkshire.
The Whites need a playmaker of some description, be that a winger with creativity or a central player capable of pulling the strings and picking the lock for Farke.
Brenden Aaronson’s two assists simply won’t cut it next year. However, Leeds United News has learnt exclusive information regarding the possibility of either Gus Hamer or Emi Buendia coming to Elland Road.
Gustavo Hamer points during Sheffield United vs Bristol City.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Update on Leeds’ interest in Emi Buendia and Gus Hamer
Both players have been persistently linked to Leeds for numerous years now, with the Argentine working under Farke previously at Norwich City.
There has been talk of a £16.8 million Leeds move for Buendia this summer, while other reports suggest a loan move could be on the cards for Buendia from Aston Villa.
Leeds wanted Buendia in January, but Buendia did not want to drop into the Championship. Now, the latest reports state Buendia is actually valued at £20 million.
Talk regarding Hamer has not been as frequent but Hamer could leave Sheffield United, with his future even more in the balance this week.
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That’s because Chris Wilder’s departure could see Hamer move on. We spoke exclusively to our transfer expert Graeme Bailey for his verdict on Leeds’ attacking midfield pursuit, with both players lined up as options.
He said: “What we’re seeing in the no.10 role is that Leeds are able to be picky. There’s no need to jump in with both feet on a Hamer or a Buendia.
“They are weighing up options but I firmly believe Leeds will sign a no.10 and I also believe the front-runners are those two. It will be one of those and we know Farke likes both of them.
“If Villa do have PSR problems, you don’t deal with Villa now – you wait towards the end of the window.”
Leeds United FC v West Bromwich Albion FC - Sky Bet Championship
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Leeds cannot persist with Brenden Aaronson next season, here’s why
Even if managers like players who are available and dependable, with both of those aspects particularly key features of Aaronson’s game, Leeds fans want Aaronson to be dropped. His intensity and energy can also be vital out of possession.
He is also versatile enough to be deployed as a No.10, or in a box-to-box role, as well as on either flank. That could ensure there is a place in the squad for him — but not in the starting XI.
Season Appearances Starts Minutes Goals Assists
2022/23 (Premier League) 36 28 2,383 1 3
2024/25 (Championship) 46 43 3,572 9 2
Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds career – goals and assists
Attacks can often die at the feet of the USMNT international, highlighting the need to source a better player. Leeds need a more decisive player who will be less wasteful with their final action consistently.