£12million better off: Leeds United need to use Max Aarons spare cash on these signings instead – View

Leeds United planned to commit to a £12million expenditure to signing Max Aarons from Norwich City, before a Bournemouth hijack saw him move to the South Coast.

The Whites looked to bring in two signings this week, with only Joe Rodon ending up being unveiled as a new Leeds player this week.

That is because the agreed deal to see Max Aarons join the club for a total £12million from Norwich City fell through at the last minute, as Bournemouth hijacked the deal and brought him to Dean Court in the Premier League.

It’s a signing that Leeds can deal without, knowing Cody Drameh has performed incredibly well in the Championship across the last two seasons, potentially in need of a new deal.

With that money now left over after not signing Aarons, we take a look at two players that Leeds should be throwing the money at…

Left-back: Alvaro Fernandez

While it’s tough to see Leeds being able to sign Manchester United talent Alvaro Fernandez on a permanent deal right now, another loan should be on the cards.

The Spaniard was brilliant at Preston last term, and will be keen to continue in that same vein, with playing time at Old Trafford surely limited, given the options there.

A loan-to-buy bid for the 6ft1in left-back could be a good move for Leeds, knowing he’s great going forward while also holding his own in defence too.

A young, attack-minded left-back is required, to provide much more balance to the side.

Central midfield: Lewis O’Brien

Nottingham Forest’s outlandish spending last summer somehow paid off with survival under Steve Cooper, but they still possess an incredibly bloated squad.

On the fringes and likely not to be part of the plans is midfielder Lewis O’Brien, who was shipped out to join Mateusz Klich in DC United earlier in 2023.

He’s ready for more involvement after a stellar showing in the MLS, but it’s not likely to be at the City Ground, meaning Leeds could offer the midfielder a lifeline in the Championship, having been linked with him frequently in 2021.

An energetic midfielder that breaks up play well, but can also carry the ball very well under pressure, O’Brien seems a very cost-effective way for Leeds to bolster the midfield with crucial experience.