Leeds United signing Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson is ‘a statement of things to come this summer’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 21-year-old has secured a move to Elland Road following a lengthy pursuit dating back to January with his arrival announced by the club this afternoon.

What is the latest news involving Aaronson?

According to The Athletic, Leeds had multiple bids turned down for Aaronson during the winter window as Salzburg wanted to keep hold of their prized asset ahead of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

However, following the west Yorkshire outfit’s Premier League survival on the final day of the campaign, they have now finally secured the USA international’s signature.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently disclosed that a ‘full agreement’ had been reached between the two clubs over a £28 million deal alongside personal terms.

And the official announcement arrived today, with Leeds revealing Aaronson has put pen to paper on a five-year contract running until the summer of 2027, becoming their first signing of the window.

What has O’Rourke said about Aaronson?

Now Aaronson has signed on the dotted line, the creative talent is set to be reunited with his compatriot Jesse Marsch at Leeds after the pair worked together at Salzburg.

Aaronson racked up 12 goal contributions in 25 appearances under the 48-year-old tactician’s tutelage, and O’Rourke believes his arrival could be a sign of things to come.

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He told GiveMeSport: “Jesse Marsch will know all about him, linking up with his fellow American.

“Aaronson, I think he's proved that at RB Salzburg, especially in the Champions League, that he is a top young player. So, I think it's a real positive transfer for Leeds to make; and a statement of things to come this summer.”

How good is Aaronson?

Since arriving at the Red Bull Arena in January 2021 from Philadelphia Union in his homeland, Aaronson has bagged 13 goals, laying on a further 15 assists in 65 outings.

In that time, the youngster has also claimed two domestic doubles with Austrian football’s dominant force, gaining valuable experience in the Champions League along the way.

And Aaronson could be particularly helpful in Marsch’s quest to implement his specific pressing style as he ranks in the 99th percentile for pressure amongst his positional peers over the last 365 days, as per FBref.

Further additions will surely be needed at Leeds following a hugely underwhelming campaign but bringing in Aaronson is certainly a good start for Marsch.