Sport nationBetter than Aaronson: Leeds Wanted to Sign World Cup Winner Under Bielsa
Leeds United’s recent wins in the Championship have lifted the team’s spirits, but fans can’t help but wonder what could have been if they had signed Rodrigo de Paul in 2020. The Argentine midfielder was a top target for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but the transfer ultimately fell through due to financial demands.
Fast forward to the present, and De Paul is now a key player for Atlético Madrid and a World Cup winner with Argentina. His market value of £25m surpasses that of Brenden Aaronson, who Leeds signed in 2022 for £24.7m.
Aaronson’s start to the Championship season has been promising, with five goals and ‘big chances’ created in five starts. However, his overall performance has been inconsistent, and he still needs to prove himself to justify his price tag.
In contrast, De Paul has established himself as a top midfielder in LaLiga, contributing 11 goals and 17 assists in 142 appearances for Atlético. His success on the international stage, including winning the World Cup and two Copa America trophies, further underscores his quality.
Leeds United’s interest in De Paul dates back to 2020, when Bielsa identified him as a top target. The Guardian reported that the Argentine coach was keen to bring De Paul to Elland Road, but Udinese’s £31m valuation proved too steep.
Fabrizio Romano revealed that Leeds were in talks with Udinese, but ultimately failed to secure an agreement. Victor Orta, Leeds’ sporting director at the time, later admitted that the financial demands were too high for a newly promoted Championship team.
De Paul’s impressive stats from the 2019/20 season, including seven goals, six assists, and 17 ‘big chances’ created in 34 Serie A appearances, justified Udinese’s valuation. However, Leeds opted not to pursue the transfer.
Atlético Madrid eventually signed De Paul in 2021 for £30m, and he has since become an integral part of Diego Simeone’s team. His World Cup victory and individual accolades have cemented his status as one of the top midfielders in the world.
Meanwhile, Aaronson’s struggles to replicate his RB Salzburg form at Leeds have raised questions about the wisdom of signing him. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and lack of goals have been concerning.
In hindsight, Leeds United may regret not pushing harder to sign De Paul. The Argentine’s quality and achievements would have undoubtedly elevated the team’s performance.
The contrast between De Paul’s success and Aaronson’s struggles raises questions about Leeds’ transfer strategy. While Aaronson still has time to develop and improve, De Paul’s established quality would have provided immediate impact.
As Leeds continues to navigate the Championship, fans can’t help but wonder what could have been if De Paul had joined the team. His presence would have undoubtedly changed the dynamics of the squad and potentially led to greater success.
De Paul’s story serves as a reminder that missed opportunities can have lasting consequences. Leeds United’s failure to sign him has allowed Atlético Madrid to reap the benefits of his exceptional talent.
The future remains uncertain for Leeds, but one thing is clear: signing Rodrigo de Paul would have been a game-changer. His quality and achievements would have elevated the team to new heights.
In conclusion, Leeds United’s decision not to sign Rodrigo de Paul has proven costly. The Argentine’s success with Atlético Madrid and Argentina serves as a reminder of what could have been.
As the team continues to strive for promotion, fans can only imagine how De Paul’s presence would have altered the course of their season. The what-ifs will linger, but one thing is certain: Leeds United missed out on a truly exceptional talent.
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