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Jesse Marsch has already had ups and downs in his brief journey at Leeds United. The manager has overseen two wins and two losses in his four games in charge.
The Yorkshire side are currently 16th in the Premier League table. They have 29 points, just seven above the relegation zone.
Equally worrying is the lack of wins this season. Leeds have won just seven league games. Only the bottom three clubs – Watford, Norwich, Burnley – have fewer.
Scoring goals hasn’t been the major issue, with the club sitting 12th in the standings for goals scored. But Marsch will undoubtedly want to improve the numbers in the final third.
It is, however, at the other end of the pitch where there is most concern. Leeds United have conceded 67 goals this season, more than any other club in the Premier League. It’s been a disaster at the back in the last couple of months, with one period in particular having a huge impact.
Last month, the club conceded 20 goals from their five league matches. This included six at Liverpool and four at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
The club remain confident, however, of staying up. If safety is secured, Marsch will undoubtedly want to improve his squad. And he could do that by bringing in some fellow Americans.
Here are three US internationals that Leeds could sign this summer:
Brenden Aaronson
The most noise around a potential switch to Leeds is around midfielder Brenden Aaronson. The 21-year-old is currently playing for Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg. He was linked with a move to Leeds in January.
It didn’t happen, of course, but now it looks like there is potential of a switch taking place this summer. Marsch could certainly be key to any decision from the youngster. According to Sky Sport Germany, the US international wants to leave Austria this summer. Aaronson has five goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season.
Mark McKenzie
As mentioned, a new defence could be on the agenda for Marsch. One player he could turn to is Genk centre-back Mark McKenzie. The 23-year-old is highly regarded both in Belgium and for his national side.
In his first season in the country, McKenzie helped Genk to the Belgian Cup. He’s also won silverware at previous club Philadelphia Union. The young defender would certainly tighten things up at the back.
Matthew Hoppe
Defensive reinforcements will certainly be the priority, but one major issue facing Leeds is the potential loss of star player Raphinha. The winger looks set to leave Elland Road this summer, regardless of where the club will be playing next season.
European giants Liverpool and Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on the Brazilian. Should he leave, a huge gap would be left going forward. Centre-forward Matthew Hoppe, although not a winger, could help fill that gap in the final third.
The attacker currently plays for La Liga outfit Mallorca. The Spanish side sit 18th in the table, meaning Hoppe could move on in the summer should they suffer relegation.
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