Less than 48 hours separate Leeds United and Norwich City on Thursday, the crucial second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final at home. Daniel Farke’s team battled valiantly to escape Carrow Road with a scoreless draw on Sunday; however, they now need to build on that consistent effort in front of an enthusiastic and sold-out Elland Road.
If they win on Thursday, they will advance to play one of Southampton or West Bromwich Albion on May 26 at Wembley, with the opportunity to earn promotion. But there’s still a lot to play for on Thursday. The YEP has compiled some of the most recent Whites news ahead of the season’s last home game.
Aaronson decision
Leeds are reportedly planning to sell Brenden Aaronson this summer regardless of what league they are in. Football Insider reports that those in charge at Elland Road could look to cut losses with suggestions Aaronson could be sold for just £12million.
Aaronson was one of several Leeds players to force a loan exit from Leeds due to a clause in his contract, following relegation last season. The American joined Union Berlin but has not been particularly impressive, registering just two goals and one assist in 37 appearances.
It is unclear whether the aforementioned clauses will become active again if Leeds fail to go up but it seems the club are already willing to offload Aaronson at least. A £12m sale would represent a significant loss on the £25m Leeds paid RB Salzburg less than two years ago.
McCarthy interest
Among the teams allegedly interested in recruiting former Leeds goalkeeper Alex McCarthy are Liverpool and Newcastle United.According to The Daily Mail, Scottish Premiership teams Celtic are considering a summer transfer for the goalkeeper, who is now at Southampton.
At St. Mary’s, the 34-year-old is the backup goalie right now, but he should be involved in the playoffs because regular starter Gavin Bazunu is sidelined due to an achilles tendon tear. On the last day of the regular season, he played in the 2-1 victory at Elland Road. As top-tier teams approach, he might surprise everyone by making a big move up.
McCarthy is out of contract at Southampton in the summer and his impending free agent status has alerted a number of clubs, with plenty searching for reinforcements between the posts. The experienced goalkeeper would likely provide cover at the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool while also occupying a spot in the quota of homegrown players required in each Premier League squad – a similar tactic to Manchester City signing Scott Carson.
