Brenden Aaronson received some bad news this week when he was left out of the United States squad, missing the chance to win silverware – and he has been replaced by a Leeds United target.
Even with Aaronson struggling to show his best form in a Leeds shirt since he rejoined the club after a loan at Union Berlin, he was expected to win a call-up. This is a player with 47 USA caps at the age of 24.
Mauricio Pochettino has made a decision and Aaronson has been left out of the squad that faces Thomas Christiansen’s Panama in the Nations League semi-finals – and either Canada or Mexico in the final.
Pochettino has explained his decision to omit Aaronson, explaining that the USA have numerous options in that position. The likes of Christian Pulisic, Giovani Reyna and Weston McKennie have been selected.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Mauricio Pochettino picks Leeds United target over Aaronson
Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna has also been included, having impressed in January’s friendlies. Indeed, Pochettino said Luna had “big balls” for playing on with a broken nose and laying on an assist for USA.
Nicknamed ‘Moon Boy’, Leeds are interested in signing Luna after he was named the 2024 MLS Young Player of the Season. Luna is being rated at a fee of £7m, though his USA involvement will ramp that up.
With Luna now picked over Aaronson by Pochettino, Leeds have got to spring into action. The Whites need a no.10 so why not a player on their shortlist already that is now being selected over the Leeds ace?
Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images
Diego Luna and Brenden Aaronson careers compared, so far
While Aaronson is now 24 and has been playing in Europe for some time now, Luna is yet to make the break away from The MLS. However, The MLS is improving and Luna’s form should not be dismissed.
Name Clubs Games Minutes Goals Assists Minutes per G+A
Brenden Aaronson LeedsSalzburgUnion BerlinPhiladelphia UnionBethlehem Steel 265 16995 33 33 257.5
Diego Luna Real Salt LakeEl PasoReal Monarchs 128 8297 31 17 172.9
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Whether he is ready for potential Premier League football remains to be seen but Pochettino’s eye should be trusted. If he is selecting Luna over Aaronson then it holds weight and Leeds need to act fast.
Promotion to the Premier League will open up a new calibre of player that Leeds can go and sign. But, focus on youth should still be considered. Luna fits into that category – a player with huge resale value.