Leeds United news: Expert issues ‘massive’ Brenden Aaronson claim after source’s bid update
Alex McLeish has insisted the pre-existing “trust” between Jesse Marsch and Brenden Aaronson is “massive” as Leeds United close in on a transfer deal.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 21-year-old would want to “give everything” to his old boss when they reunite at Elland Road.
A recruitment source told Football Insider on Tuesday (24 May) that Leeds have agreed personal terms with Aaronson after having a £25million bid accepted by RB Salzburg.
The USA international has been given the green light to undergo a medical and finalise the deal.
Aaronson was signed by Marsch at Salzburg and played 25 times under his fellow countryman.
McLeish compared Leeds’ pursuit of the midfielder to the transfer business carried out by Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “For Jesse Marsch, read ‘Ange Postecoglou’. Postecoglou brought players to Celtic that nobody had heard of, nobody knew.
“Okay, this guy is playing in the Austrian League, so we have pretty good knowledge about him in the European leagues, and of course in the English Premier League.
“There’s a lot of about trust. I emphasise Gerard Houllier saying: ‘Alex, when you can trust those guys on the pitch then you can sit comfortably in the dugout.’
“There will be some days when you get into your seat and you’ll be saying: ‘I really feel good today.’
“You get that feeling and the feeling that the boys are going to give everything. Some days you get a bit of bad luck but by and large, you’ve got to get the players you trust. That is a massive factor in football.
“Postecoglou brought in about six or seven. It wasn’t recommended by the scouts or the analysts, they were Postecoglou’s choices. Now Jesse Marsch has done something similar.
“He knows this guy inside out. This guy will equally want to do everything he can for Marsch for bringing him to the Premier League.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues verdict on 49ers quitting Leeds United amid £400m takeover claim.