This time last year, Leeds United were about to start losing the vast majority of their first team squad on loan.
Due to clauses that were inserted into the contracts of several players, Leeds‘ relegation from the Premier League sparked a mass exodus, which got underway shortly before Daniel Farke‘s appointment as manager.
In total, eight members of the first team squad opted to take advantage of the clause set by Victor Orta, with only two having secured permanent exits so far in Luis Sinisterra and Robin Koch.
Leeds are now effectively back to square one when it comes to making a decision on the future of the other six, though Paraag Marathe was quick to come and confirm they are in a better position this summer.
It is believed only two players have the opportunity to leave on loan again. Jack Harrison is almost definitely one of them, with a return to Everton likely.
More details of Aaronson decision to stay at Leeds revealed
So with Harrison seemingly set for Everton, that leaves just Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, Max Wober, Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen.
It had been though that Roca was the other player with the ability to leave on loan, with a return to Real Betis reportedly all but done. A permanent deal could still be struck between the two clubs.
For Llorente, AS Roma are still mulling over whether to bring him back for a third time, though will not be signing Kristensen. Borussia Monchengladbach cannot afford Wober’s asking price, so his future is also up in the air.
However, according to the Athletic, the other player alongside Harrison with the option in his contract to leave on loan again was actually Aaronson.
It was revealed yesterday that Aaronson will be returning to Leeds next season after talks with Farke over his future, with the 23-year-old said to have ‘unfinished business’ at Elland Road.
And not only has he turned down a return to Union Berlin, where he spent last season, it has now also been claimed that he has rejected the opportunity to use the loan clause that is again active in his deal.
Clearly it would have been much easier for him to leave on loan again, but he must be really determined to prove to Leeds fans what he is really about.
What Leeds fans are saying on Aaronson news
It is going to take a lot of work for Aaronson to get Leeds fans back on his side next season, but this is a step in the right direction.
£25m man Aaronson needs to take a leaf out of Willy Gnonto‘s book in what it takes to do so, which is simply just working hard and producing on the pitch.
For him to reject the chance to leave on loan again, though, is a bold move and one that should earn him some sort of respect.
Leeds fans are certainly a little cautious in welcoming him back, but it will be interesting to see how that relationship develops over the next year.