Leeds United set to make double signing this week before Bournemouth hijack saw him move to the South Coast

The Whites attempted to recruit two players this week, but only Joe Rodon was introduced as a new Leeds player this week.

That’s because the agreed-upon deal to bring Max Aarons from Norwich City for a fee of £12 million fell through at the last minute, with Bournemouth hijacking the deal and bringing him to Dean Court in the Premier League.

Leeds can do without the signing since Cody Drameh has performed admirably in the Championship over the last two seasons and is perhaps in need of a new contract.

With the money left over from not signing Aarons, we look at two players that Leeds should be spending it on…

Alvaro Fernandez is the left-back.

While it is unlikely that Leeds will be able to buy Manchester United star Alvaro Fernandez on a permanent basis at the moment, another loan should be on the cards.

The Spaniard was fantastic at Preston last season and will be desperate to continue in that vein, with playing time at Old Trafford likely to be limited given the options available.

Leeds might benefit from a loan-to-buy deal for the 6ft1in left-back, knowing he’s good moving forward while also holding his own in defense.

To bring considerably more balance to the side, a young, attack-minded left-back is required.

Is Joe Rodon a good acquisition?
Lewis O’Brien, central midfielder

Nottingham Forest’s extravagant buying last summer paid dividends with survival under Steve Cooper, but the club still has an extremely bloated roster.

Lewis O’Brien, who was transferred out to join Mateusz Klich in DC United earlier in 2023, is on the margins and unlikely to be included in the plans.

After a fantastic showing in the MLS, he’s ready for more engagement, but it’s unlikely to be at the City Ground, which means Leeds might offer the midfielder a lifeline in the Championship, having been connected with him repeatedly in 2021.

O’Brien appears to be a highly cost-effective method for Leeds to boost the midfield with essential experience. He is an active midfielder who breaks up play well but can also carry the ball quite well under pressure.