Leeds United’s Full-Back Shortage Sparks Alarm Ahead of Premier League Return
Leeds United head into the new Premier League season alarmingly light in the full-back department. Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are set to leave on free transfers, leaving Daniel Farke with just Jayden Bogle as an established option on either flank. That scenario screams danger when you consider the relentless demands of top-flight football.
The question now is who will fill the void. Isaac Schmidt’s future role remains uncertain, while talk of external reinforcements grows louder by the day. Leeds cannot afford a repeat of last season’s defensive injuries and suspensions, so the recruitment team faces a make-or-break summer window.
Targets like Kyle Walker-Peters and Max Aarons are firmly in the frame, but competition is fierce. With Fulham also circling Walker-Peters and Sevilla eyeing Aarons, Farke will need to move quickly and decisively if he wants reliable depth at full-back.
Don Goodman’s Warning: Is Max Aarons a Risky Bet?
Veteran pundit Don Goodman has slapped down the idea of a Leeds move for Max Aarons, pointing to limited game time at Bournemouth and Valencia this season. Goodman argues that after barely featuring in either club’s plans, Aarons would struggle to displace the in-form Jayden Bogle.
It’s a fair critique: Aarons managed just three appearances for Valencia and spent large chunks of last season on the periphery at Bournemouth. Goodman insists Leeds would be doing themselves no favours by signing a player short on match sharpness.
However, there’s another side to this argument. Farke knows Aarons inside out from their time at Norwich, and a tailored development plan could reignite the right-back’s career. In my view, under the right coaching, Aarons could prove a steal rather than a stumbling block.
Rewinding the Clock: When Leeds Last Tried to Sign Aarons
Back in 2023, Farke made several attempts to bring Aarons to Elland Road. The two share a strong rapport after the coach handed Aarons his senior debut at Norwich. Reports of a collapsed medical circulated, but speaking to insiders, there was never any bad blood—just a twisty transfer tale.
Ultimately, Aarons opted for Bournemouth, enticed by promises of Premier League football. It was a decision many Leeds fans still lament, but with his contract nearing expiry at Southampton, the door might be ajar for a belated reunion this summer.
My take: Any previous snub should be water under the bridge if Leeds can guarantee him a clear pathway to minutes. With Bogle’s hot form, that’s no small promise—but if Farke can sell the vision, a second attempt may well pay dividends.
