Brenden Aaronson looks set for another crossroads in his Leeds United career at the end of the season.
Aaronson made the decision to join Union Berlin on a season-long-loan after Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League in May, but it would be fair to say it has not gone well.
The 23-year-old’s poor form at the end of the 2022/23 campaign with Leeds has very much continued since joining Union. He has struggled for starts, and was only able to score his first goal since August 2022 at club level last month.
Union on the whole have endured a really poor season after qualifying for the Champions League last term, and so it would be a massive shock if they were willing to pay anything close to the £25 million Leeds did for Aaronson in 2022.
There had even reportedly been consideration about recalling him in January but that did not happen, with Aaronson keen to try and prove himself in the Bundesliga.
LeedsUnited.News have now spoken to transfer expert Graeme Bailey on what can be expected regarding the USMNT international’s future in the summer, and he says there is ‘every chance’ Daniel Farke would be willing to have a look at him.
Daniel Farke could give Aaronson a chance in pre-season if he returns to Leeds
He said: “I think with Aaronson, he’s only 23. He is a huge talent and the club liked him when they brought him in. Let’s not beat around the bush, your American owners would love an American star at Leeds, but not to the extent they force you to sign American players.
“They would love an American star there. Aaronson didn’t suit any of the managers really, he wasn’t an Allardyce type player but I was told in January that Farke would consider him if he came back, that didn’t happen.
“I think there is every chance Farke could give Aaronson a chance. As we just said, he was willing to forgive and forget with Gnonto, why not with Aaronson? A lot of the fans were critical of this, but Leeds were pushing players out of the door as they were looking to leave at the same time as well.
“In the case of Aaronson, he had the chance to play at a Champions League club. They are no longer that but I wouldn’t rule Aaronson out. If you do get promoted, some of these lads are going to be on good wages. It might be a bit harder to get rid of and as we’ve seen when you loan a player out.
“There is that risk where with Aaronson you would’ve thought he would’ve gone to Berlin and impressed, but he’s had that struggle. I think they will be open on Aaronson from what I am told.
“There is a chance he can come back and stake a claim. He is an outstanding player, you are getting a £20m-£30m footballer back, why wouldn’t Farke look at that? I think he is pragmatic enough to look at that situation.”
Farke should take Sinisterra stance with Aaronson and other loanees
Upon the completion of Luis Sinisterra’s permanent move to Bournemouth last month, Farke explained exactly why Leeds opted to sell him.
He said metaphorically that food never tastes as good after it has been re-heated in the microwave, which was effectively a hint that he did not want to welcome Sinisterra back into the fold.
Farke simply must take that same stance with the likes of Aaronson, particularly when you also consider he is no where near Sinisterra ability wise either.
The Colombian only started five league games for Leeds last season, yet managed five goals. Aaronson, on the other hand, was very heavily involved, yet scored just once.
Leeds have managed to rebuild their squad really well after relegation and there is no reason why any of the loanees should be welcomed back after jumping ship.