Who is Sheffield United target Max Aarons? | OneFootball

This season, Chris Wilder’s side’s most consistently uncertain position has been right-back. It took a moment to confirm that Tyrese Campbell would lead the line. But since January, the Blades have flip-flopped between Femi Seriki, Harry Clarke, and Hamza Choudhury.

Femi Seriki has shown the potential to be the Blades’ full-back in the future, but could also become a useful winger should the Blades persist with wingers. Whilst Hamza Choudhury has recently shown that out of position, he is a determined, battling right-back.

But with Choudhury potentially only at the club temporarily. A recent report from Ekrem Konur suggests the Blades are interested in loaning in Max Aarons, 25.

The Blades are likely to battle with Leeds, Marseille and Lille to bring him from Bournemouth to Bramall Lane.

So, who is Max Aarons, what could he offer, and why might the Blades miss out on his signature?

From Kenilworth to Carrow Road

When you ask most people about Aarons you usually picture him in the green and yellow of Norfolk’s own Norwich City.

But Max Aarons began his youth career with Luton Town in 2009 aged nine. It wasn’t until 2016 that he joined the Canaries. Where his impressive spell in the youth academy saw him enter the first-team two years later.

Letting the Canary Sing

In his first season, Aarons played 41 Championship games as Daniel Farke’s Norwich were promoted alongside Sheffield United in 2018-2019. Impressively, he was named in the Championship Team of the Season and the EFL’s Young Player of the Year.

In his first Premier League season, Aarons played 36 Premier League games as Norwich finished a firm bottom. But testament to Aarons’ own strong season, saw him linked with a move to Barcelona on loan.

Whilst, a move to La Liga didn’t come off for Aarons he continued to develop under Farke at Norwich. Two goals and two assists from right-back in 2020-2021 helped Norwich return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. His performances leading to a role in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

In the next two seasons, in the Premier League and the Championship, Aarons missed just 5 league games, playing 45 out of 46 in 2022-2023.

After a final season in the Championship, Aarons traded the Canaries for the Cherries.

From the East to the South Coast

On 10 August 2023, Aarons moved to the Vitality Stadium for a reported fee of £7 million. The clear intent from Bournemouth was that he would be a regular first-teamer as two days later he made his debut against West Ham.

He made 20 Premier League appearances for the Cherries and hopefully, he would kick on in his second season.

This season Iraola’s side have been exceptional considering the expectations surrounding them. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Aarons. He only played three Premier League games before being loaned out to Valencia in January. Whilst, there is a reported option to make it permanent, his three La Liga games make a full-time move unlikely.

Ultimately, the lack of game time could be concerning. Although if Rob Holding has taught us anything. Some players just need game time and can become useful for the Blades.

What could he offer the Blades?

If the Blades don’t get promoted signing Aarons may be made more difficult with other clubs interested. Although if the Blades can bring him into the Second Tier his records and accolades speaks for themselves.

Looking at his most recent run in a first-team at Bournemouth last season, what could he offer the Blades.

Defensively

He won 65.6% of his tackles and 56.5% of his duels last season in the Premier League placing him in the 66th percentile of Premier League right-backs for duels won.

Offensively

He won 26 fouls going forward putting him in the 80th percentile of the most fouled right-backs in the Premier League. Created 7 chances in his 20 games and had a pass accuracy of 76.7%. He got one assist from an expected assists of 0.91.

Other

An impressive stat for a potential new Blade is his discipline. Only one yellow card and no red cards last season in the Premier League. A unique quality for anyone representing the Blades lately.

What could stop him signing for the Blades?

The most obvious answer would be that Aarons may not want to play in the Championship if the Blades don’t get promoted.

But if the Blades do get promoted. Aarons existing working relationship with Daniel Farke at Norwich City may see the German jump to the front of the queue. After all, Aarons was initially linked with a switch to Elland Road in the Summer of 2023.

Aarons has over the years spoken of his admiration for Farke and his impact on his development. In his departure message for Norwich City, Aarons wrote: “I want to say the biggest thank you to Daniel Farke, the man who gave me my debit and believed in me.

“I’m massively grateful for everything he has done for me and wish him the biggest success going forward.”

It could be the case that he would now like to be involved in that “success”. Although, Jayden Bogle’s role at Leeds may tempt Aarons to South Yorkshire for more playing time and an easier way into the squad.

Takeaways

Max Aarons feels like a no brainer if the Blades can tempt him to Bramall Lane. A highly-rated right-back who has fallen on uncertain times. Sheffield United particularly under Chris Wilder has a history of helping get players back to their best. Why couldn’t it be the case with Aarons.

If Sheffield United get promoted squad depth will be key to any hopes of survival. Aarons and Seriki as right-back options would be a strong duo. With Aarons the more experienced of the two and Seriki as one for now and the future.