"Puzzled" - Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to fresh Leeds United, Max Aarons transfer claim | OneFootball

Aarons has been linked to the Whites after a tough season with Bournemouth and on loan at Valencia

Former fstrikerand current Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman does not think Leeds United should move to sign Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons in the summer transfer window due to his recent lack of minutes and Jayden Bogle's impressive form this season, after the Whites were recently linked to signing him alongside Sheffield United.

Leeds have gone up as champions of the Championship this season, and preparations will have already begun for next term back in the top-flight as a major summer window beckons.

It has been confirmed that boss Daniel Farke will be staying in charge for next season, so while they revel in the celebrations of another promotion, it is clear that the German head-coach will be busy in the months to come with a whole host of incomings and outgoings set to be sanctioned.

Bournemouth defender Aarons is believed to be on their radar, but if he was to join the Elland Road side, he would surely be behind standout right-back Jayden Bogle in the pecking order for game-time next season.

Don Goodman is unsure if Leeds need to sign Max Aarons

Aarons' career has stalled over the last few years at Bournemouth, after he emerged through Norwich City's academy to become one of the most highly-rated young full-backs in the country with impressive performances in both the Championship and Premier League.

He made a £7 million move to the Cherries in the summer of 2023, but struggled for game-time in his first season on the south-coast with just 13 league starts all term through a mixture of injury issues and veteran Adam Smith being preferred by Andoni Iraola.

A similar theme continued into the start of this campaign, especially after Julian Araujo signed from Barcelona to become Iraola's first-choice on the right side of his back four. Aarons was limited to just four appearances in the first-half of the season, and so joined La Liga side Valencia on loan in the January window in the hope of more game-time.

The 25-year-old, though, has only experienced more frustration in Spain, with just three outings in all competitions so far due to Dimitri Foulquier's decent form as Carlos Corberan's side have rapidly climbed away from the relegation zone.

He seems unlikely to stay at Valencia past this campaign, despite their option to buy him for £7.7m after his loan spell ends. As a result, Leeds are reportedly considering a move for his services this summer following their promotion, alongside Sheffield United, who will be hoping to go up through the play-offs this month.

Sky Sports co-commentator Goodman is unsure if a move to the Whites would make sense for Aarons or the club in the coming months, as he has hardly played over the last year, and would likely also struggle for minutes in Farke's side due to Jayden Bogle's form in their promotion campaign.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said: “The move to Bournemouth didn’t really work out for Max Aarons. He played half a season last season, really, on the periphery, and at Valencia he has mustered only three appearances this season.

“So he is a player who hasn’t played regular football in quite a while, and given how well Jayden Bogle did this season, I would be a little bit puzzled at that, should it happen, really.

“I’m not sure how much game-time Max would get in the Premier League with Leeds United.”

Leeds have numerous rivals for Aarons' signature this summer - he seems happy to stay in Spain

Aarons' career is at as big a crossroads as it has ever been this summer, as there is seemingly little future for him at parent club Bournemouth, but loan side Valencia are also believed to have decided against taking up the aforementioned option to buy in his contract, according to Football Espana.

With over 90 career appearances in the Premier League, and experience of success at international level after winning the 2023 European Under-21 Championship with England, he is bound to be an attractive option to numerous clubs in the coming months as he seeks a new challenge.

La Liga outfit Sevilla have reportedly opened talks with the Cherries over a loan deal for this summer, which also includes an option to buy. The 25-year-old is thought to be keen on a switch to the Andalusian giants, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue, so that seems like the most plausible next destination for him rather than Elland Road.

Football Espana also claim that Serie A side Atalanta are keeping an eye on his situation, as well as French clubs Olympique Marseille and Lille, which would all surely be more attractive options for Aarons than likely sitting on the Whites' bench for the majority of the campaign.

The England youth international himself has admitted in an interview with the BBC that it was "always a dream" of his to play in Spain, and that he is "loving it" at Valencia despite his lack of appearances. It would, therefore, certainly not be a shock to see him continue to play abroad past this season, and a Leeds switch does seem unlikely anytime soon as a result.