Leeds want to sign van Aanholt if he exits Crystal Palace
Leeds United could make a bid to sign Patrick van Aanholt on a free transfer in the summer if he decides to quit Crystal Palace, according to the Mirror.
The 30-year-old’s contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season and as Ezgjan Alioski is in a similar position at Elland Road, signing a new left-back is on the menu for Marcelo Bielsa in the summer.
It is understood that 12-times Netherlands international van Aanholt “fits the profile of attacking full-back” that Bielsa wants and if Leeds manage to sign him for free, the Yorkshire club will consider it as a “real coup”.
Free and experienced? Yes, please
Leeds showed last summer that they’re not worried about bringing in players who are at the peak of their careers or heading into their 30s.
Rodrigo turned 30-years-old earlier this month but was made the most expensive signing in the history of the Yorkshire club in the summer when he arrived for £27million from Valencia.
Van Aanholt will turn 31 in August and while that doesn’t sound like the sort of signing Leeds usually made with Victor Orta as director of football, the fact he’s up for grabs on a free makes this an intriguing piece of speculation.
The former Chelsea and Sunderland left-back has over 200 Premier League appearances to his name, as well as his caps with the Netherlands and a smattering of Champions League outings during his days at Stamford Bridge.
Stuart Dallas and Alioski have been Bielsa’s go-to left-backs this season but neither of them are out and out left-backs and Alioski could be off in the summer when his contract expires.
Van Aanholt would be a great replacement. He’s only a year older than Alioski but is so much more proven in England’s top-flight.
If Leeds want to save money at left-back and focus on splashing the cash on midfield options or another striker than signing the Palace ace could be a very good deal.
In other Leeds United news, this Leeds-linked midfielder is ready to move on in the summer.