Max Aarons at Leeds United for medical before ‘significant news’ amid Bournemouth and Norwich City development – Sky Sports
Max Aarons was at Leeds United “today” and was “preparing for a medical” with the Whites before his deal was hijacked by Bournemouth, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported via a 5.17pm update on their website Wednesday (9 August) that the Norwich City defender was “now heading down south to complete the move”, with journalist Mark McAdam reporting live on Sky Sports News the “significant news” that the previously reported Elland Road deal was now off.
The day appeared to be a hugely significant one in terms of Elland Road arrivals with Aarons expected to follow Joe Rodon’s loan move from Tottenham [Fabrizio Romano, 9 August], but will now be 50% less so after the Aarons collapse.
McAdam said live: “All eyes on Leeds. They thought they had a new right-back. No, he’s headed to Bournemouth. That was the significant news that got broken a few moments ago.”
Close but no cigar
The developments with Aarons’ move is the latest reminder that no transfer is done until it is signed and announced, and while right-back hardly looked like the top priority this will have left Daniel Farke frustrated.
The German obviously must have valued the 23-year-old’s contribution to his side at Carrow Road enough to be willing to fork out good money when he has various other players he needs to bring in.
A small silver lining is that the Leeds United boss does at least have that cash still available for key areas such as central midfield and striker now that Rodon has helped address the centre-back issues.
But to physically get a player in for a medical and then see him turn around a leave again is highly disappointing any way you look at it.
And for it to be two-time Elland Road managerial target Andoni Iraola who is the one to swoop in is all the more infuriating for the Whites hierarchy.
But with Cody Drameh coming back from injury there is at least help on the way at right-back, after Luke Ayling had another iffy game in the opener against Cardiff City (6 August), so attention will have to turn to alternative transfer targets.
In other Leeds United news, a first-team star appears to be in line for a surprise stay at Elland Road this summer.