“This is the right time for Daniel Farke to Ditch him, how could a FLOP like him be EARNING more than Tanaka & Bogle”- Sky Sports pundits have argued that a highly-paid Leeds player, who earns more than both Bogle and Tanaka, should be sold in the January transfer window, as his performances do not justify his substantial salary.
Leeds United has been going through a rebuilding phase over the past few months, following a series of key player departures after their failure to secure promotion last season.
The Whites were defeated 1-0 by Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley, a loss that triggered several significant exits, complicating Daniel Farke’s task of guiding the club back to the Premier League.
Key figures such as Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, and Archie Gray left Elland Road, allowing the club to bring in over £100 million—a remarkable sum for a second-tier club. While the loss of these players was a blow, Farke has done a commendable job so far this season, with Leeds sitting just three points off the top of the table.
A major factor in their early-season success has been the club’s summer recruitment, with two standout signings making an immediate impact.
Leeds’ Top Summer Signings of 2024
Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka has been a revelation in the midfield since his arrival from German club Fortuna Düsseldorf. Tanaka has provided much-needed stability in the absence of Ethan Ampadu.
Though he didn’t register any goals or assists in the recent win against Oxford United, his influence in other areas was significant.
With 122 touches, 100 completed passes, and 10 recoveries, Tanaka has become a key box-to-box presence, helping Farke’s side secure their ninth consecutive home victory.
Another crucial summer signing, Jayden Bogle, joined for £5 million from Sheffield United. The 24-year-old has filled Leeds’ long-standing need for a reliable right-back, but it’s his attacking contributions that have truly stood out. Bogle has netted three goals this season, surpassing key forwards like Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph.
The Leeds Player Earning More Than Tanaka and Bogle
Not all of Farke’s squad have performed to the same standard, including one player who earns more than both Tanaka and Bogle combined.
Brenden Aaronson, the American international, was signed for £24.7 million in the summer of 2022 amid high expectations. Unfortunately, his impact has been disappointing, with just four goals and assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
After spending last season on loan at Bundesliga club Union Berlin, Aaronson returned to Leeds this summer. While he has contributed six goals and two assists, his performances have been inconsistent, with many fans frustrated by his tendency to disappear during matches.
Currently earning £45k per week, Aaronson’s salary is higher than that of Tanaka (£25k) and Bogle (£30k). When factoring in his transfer fee, Aaronson has cost the club around £32 million—equating to £4.5 million per goal, a staggering amount.
It’s unlikely Leeds will recover anywhere near the amount they spent on Aaronson, but selling him could provide essential funds to strengthen the squad and bolster their promotion push.
With a potent attack already in place, as evidenced by their 41 goals, Leeds could further improve in the coming weeks, possibly by moving Aaronson on to make room for fresh talent.
