Leeds United and Aaron Lennon: Could he really come back in January?

Once a two-time FIFA World Cup veteran, Leeds born-and-raised Aaron Lennon is a popular rumored signing for a United team on the rise and looking for promotion. But is this rumor to be believed? Or is it just wishful thinking?

Aaron Lennon was first brought into the Leeds United Youth Academy back in 2001. At the age of just 14 years old, he was already starting to impress many people, and Leeds had a future star on their hands. He would eventually make his Leeds debut against Tottenham Hotspur. At the time, he was the youngest player to debut in a Premier League game at the age of 16 years and 129 days.

Since then, his career has taken off. After moving to Tottenham for the paltry sum of £1 million, he became a fan favorite, a household name. He was selected to two World Cups by England and performed well, making 21 appearances for the national side. His last appearance for the Three Lions was in 2013.

Now at the age of 29, Aaron Lennon is at Everton. The Merseyside club once took him in on loan, and made the deal permanent a year later, signing for 3 years in 2015.

But since Ronald Koeman has taken the helm, Aaron Lennon has become a forgotten man.

Personally, I think it is a long shot. I feel like Aaron Lennon is still too good for the Championship, and a move to Leeds would be too big of a downgrade for him (though a coup for Garry Monk). His style of play can fit in almost anywhere, so while he hasn’t played much, I think that Koeman will be hesitant to let him leave.

Even if Koeman were to let him leave, it would most likely be on loan, and probably to another Premier League club.

But if Aaron Lennon were to return (just go with it), how would he fit into Leeds United’s style of play?

Currently, Garry Monk most often plays a 4-2-3-1 with two midfielders out wide. Aaron Lennon could fit out wide in that scenario. In the last game vs. Norwich, Leeds played Kemar Roofe and Souleymane Doukara out in the wide positions. If Aaron Lennon were to sign for Leeds, he would definitely take over from either of those two talents.

Sadly, I don’t think Aaron Lennon is going anywhere. I can understand as to why fans would want him to return, but he is only 29 and he still has a lot to give to Everton, even if he was an unused sub in a 5-0 drubbing by Chelsea before the break.

If he were to come to Leeds United, I wouldn’t see it happening until he comes closer to the end of his career. But here’s hoping.