Brenden Aaronson is reportedly set to return to Leeds United ahead of next season having held talks with Daniel Farke, and his comments on Leeds fans earlier this season is now very interesting.
Leeds were expected to try and move on all eight of the players that left Elland Road using Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause, with Robin Koch and Luis Sinisterra since completing permanent exits from Leeds.
The Whites still have to sort out the future of Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen, Max Wober and Jack Harrison. But Aaronson is set to return to Leeds now, after surprise reports emerged this week.
Indeed, Aaronson held talks with Farke and chose to come back after an indifferent loan at Union Berlin. The 23-year-old feels he has ‘unfinished business’ at Elland Road, Farke is willing to give him a key role.
It is even claimed he rejected the chance to return to Union on loan, and other clubs. What is interesting though, is what Aaronson said about Leeds fans earlier this season a few months into his loan spell.
Aaronson hinted at having unfinished business earlier this season
The playmaker struggled at Union, who endured a dismal season. Having qualified for the Champions League the season prior, Union went on a woeful losing streak before rallying slightly in the second half.
Aaronson’s form coincided with that and with Union needing to win on the final day to survive relegation, Aaronson got a crucial assist in a 2-1 win over Freiburg. But his comments in November are interesting.
The USA star said he felt he let Leeds fans down during his time at Elland Road, following his £25m move from Salzburg in the summer of 2022. He was Jesse Marsch’s first signing, forming a reunion with him.
“At the end, it was really tough, confidence-wise, to go out there. I didn’t feel like I was playing my best. I feel like I was letting my team-mates down, I felt like I was letting the fanbase down at times,” he claimed.
Now, Aaronson has the chance to change those earlier comments
His return has prompted a mixed response from Leeds fans. Many are still setting at his decision, among others, to jump ship following relegation in which he played a major role in during the 2022-23 season.
Others are excited by his return and keen to see how he will get on in the Championship. Ultimately, the attacker cost Leeds a fee of £25m and right now, he is worth far less than that after two rough seasons.
If Leeds sold him, it would look bad for Financial Fairplay. It makes sense that Leeds keep hold of him and give him the chance to increase his value closer to that £25m mark, especially as Leeds need a no.10.