Brenden Aaronson will return to Leeds United ahead of the 2024-25 season in what comes as a surprise decision having left last summer to go on loan – and all Leeds fans are saying the same thing.
The 23-year-old left Leeds last summer as one of eight players to use Victor Orta’s relegation clause. It came after a dismal first season at Elland Road, having become Jesse Marsch’s first signing for £25m.
He played 40 times in all competitions for Leeds in his first season in Yorkshire, but managed just one goal and three assists. Often, Aaronson was criticised for his lack of physicality and decision making.
The latter getting worse as his confidence was drained by the situation at Leeds and criticism from fans. Aaronson moved to Union Berlin for the 2023-24 season, which saw him play in the Champions League.
But it was a dismal season for the German side, as they escaped relegation on the final day with a 2-1 win over Freiburg. Aaronson got an assist in that game, but he has chosen not to return to Union on loan.
Aaronson returns to Leeds ahead of 2024-25 promotion push
Indeed, Aaronson has also rejected interest from other clubs in order to return to Elland Road after having a conversation with boss Daniel Farke. He is now set to return for pre-season, and come back to Leeds.
It does come as a surprise given what fans think of Aaronson and the other players who jumped ship to go on loan. That, and that the USA star could not live up to his £25m price tag in a Leeds shirt in 22-23.
What Leeds fans are saying as Aaronson returns this summer
Of the eight players, Aaronson is probably the one that makes most sense. Robin Koch and Luis Sinisterra are gone permanently, joining both Eintracht Frankfurt on a free and Bournemouth for north of £20m.
Rasmus Kristensen is not joining Roma permanently, but Diego Llorente is expected to rejoin the Italian giants. Max Wober could stay at Gladbach, while a deal for Marc Roca to rejoin Betis is said to be “close”.
Jack Harrison could also rejoin Everton with the winger able to go on loan again. Aaronson is coming back to Leeds though and here is how fans are reacting on social media, following the shock news.