Leeds United should try sign ex-Chelsea player who made 0 apps at Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Leeds United could chase a deal for a Brenden Aaronson replacement in Mario Pašalić.

Regardless of what division Leeds United are in next season, they will have to address the situation they have created for themselves in the attacking midfield position.

In the summer, they sold Georginio Rutter to Brighton & Hove Albion for £40 million and Daniel Farke hoped that Brenden Aaronson would be the man to fill that void.

The American has occasionally shown flashes of brilliance, and on the surface, his tally of 10 goal involvements in 36 games does not appear dreadful. However, in 2025, he has managed just one goal in 12 appearances, and his performances have been in steady decline for some time.

This will be a concern for the Whites' manager, yet despite Aaronson's shortcomings, he has continued to stand by the 24-year-old.

This cannot go on much longer, and while it may not cost Leeds promotion, they cannot afford to enter a Premier League campaign with the former RB Salzburg man as their sole option.

Aaronson hasn't matched Rutter's influence at Leeds

While it is fair to say that Leeds are in a stronger position than last season, Aaronson has failed to replicate the impact Rutter had on the Whites' team.

His tally of eight goals is an improvement on the Frenchman’s total from the entire previous campaign, but the 22-year-old contributed 15 assists for his Leeds teammates across 45 league games. This is the level of creativity Farke would have been hoping for from his returning star, but it just hasn't happened.

Beyond that, Rutter created more big chances per 90 minutes last year and boasted a higher expected assist tally. Now at Brighton, he also drove the team forward far more often, and his off-the-ball work ranks higher, according to SofaScore.

For Farke and Leeds' new owners, this must be addressed in the summer. Rather than persisting with their long-term interest in Emi Buendía, they should instead turn their attention to a player out of contract at Atalanta BC, whose impressive pedigree and experience make him a standout option.

Mario Pasalic should be on Leeds' shortlist

With Leeds' shortcomings clear, any attacking midfield option they wish to sign for a transfer fee is unlikely to come cheap, so they should instead look to the free-agent market. Come June, a multitude of options will be available, and at the top of their list should be Mario Pašalić.

The 30-year-old may not be getting any younger, but he is well-experienced in Italy's top-flight and if Atalanta are willing to let him leave on a free, then that could work to the Whites' advantage.

Much of his career was spent at Stamford Bridge, where Pašalić was a firm part of Chelsea's loan army. However, he found a home in Bergamo after two separate loan spells with Atalanta and is now approaching his 300th appearance for the club.

Last season, he was a Europa League winner, and this year, he has scored three times in their Champions League campaign, which ended at the hands of Club Brugge.

While his starting role has diminished somewhat this term, he remains an integral part of the squad, and they are currently engaged in a tight title race with Napoli and Inter Milan for the Serie A crown.

This would be an exciting addition, and with Leeds being an increasingly attractive prospect and Pašalić entering his 30s, he may well be tempted by the challenge of the Premier League, should Farke's side secure promotion.

Pasalic would be an ideal fit for Farke's system

The benefit of a player like Pašalić is that he would provide Farke with a variety of options, whether he chooses to deploy him as a number ten, a central midfielder, or a defensive midfielder.

According to Transfermarkt, across his career he has played as a number eight 169 times and as an attacking midfielder 149 times. This has warranted a total of 106 goal contributions and Leeds would be hoping that he could transfer this level of output to the English game.

His chances created figures have consistently ranged between 1.50 and 2.00 per game throughout his career, which would undoubtedly surpass the level of output Aaronson could bring to the top flight.

To further demonstrate that he could be the ideal replacement for the American, his best figures in Serie A came in the 2021-22 season, when Gian Piero Gasperini deployed him as a number ten. That year, he recorded 13 goals and seven assists – an impressive return for a player who started just 24 games.

Of course, this would be an ambitious signing, but if Leeds are to secure survival in the Premier League should they gain promotion, this is the calibre of player they must look to acquire. The general feeling is that Aaronson is falling short in the Championship, and the club should be aware of his top-flight shortcomings from their last relegation campaign. Upgrades are needed in the next transfer window.