Brenden Aaronson’s reported decision to return to Leeds United has come as a shock to those of a Leeds persuasion, and now his reasoning for coming back to Elland Road has been revealed.
The 23-year-old joined Leeds as Jesse Marsch’s first signing for a whopping £25m having starred at Marsch’s old side Salzburg, even impressing in the Champions League against Bayern Munich in 2021-22.
But it didn’t go to plan at Elland Road, and not just for Aaronson. The likes or Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Weston McKennie all struggled at Leeds having been signed during 2022-23 by boss Marsch.
One goal in 40 games, only three assists and a clear lack of confidence and physicality, Aaronson jumped ship like seven other players last summer using Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause to escape Elland Road.
He moved to Germany like Max Wober and Robin Koch, the latter since joining Frankfurt on a permanent. Again, Aaronson struggled despite finishing well and proving key in Union’s survival on the final day.
Aaronson stance on Leeds return and Farke’s role for him
Reports on Monday morning came out of the blue, but informed that Aaronson would be returning to Leeds and will play a part in next season’s push for promotion to the Premier League under Daniel Farke.
Now, The Athletic’s Tom Bogert reports that Aaronson has opted to go back to Leeds as he feels he has ‘unfinished business’ at Elland Road, and has rejected other clubs in Germany in order to come back.
Now only that, but Bogert also reports that Farke is keen to have Aaronson back having held a meeting with the USA star. Farke is believed to be willing to give Aaronson a ‘key role’ in next season’s campaign.
Why Leeds are also willing to bring Aaronson back next term
For the majority of the campaign, Leeds and journalists such as Phil Hay that are well-connected to the club have maintained that those out on loan were unlikely to have any future at Leeds moving forward.
Even Jack Harrison, going on loan to Everton but having spent the previous five seasons at Leeds. But with Financial Fairplay’s grip tightening after failure to be promoted, Leeds had a decision to make.
Given Aaronson is not going to attract offers anywhere close to £25m and that he is still only 23, it makes sense to keep Aaronson and let him try and build his value up in The Championship next season.