Brenden Aaronson’s decision to return to Leeds United has already set the tone for a potentially interesting summer regarding the loan army.
In the wake of relegation just over a year ago, Leeds lost eight members of their first team squad on loan as a result of clauses that were inserted into contracts by the previous ownership regime.
Over the course of the last 12 months, only Luis Sinisterra and Robin Koch were able to agree permanent moves elsewhere, leaving the future of six other players uncertain.
However, Aaronson has moved quickly to put to bed any speculation on his future by agreeing to give it a second go at Elland Road after talks with Daniel Farke.
Aaronson actually had the option to leave on loan for a second time but is instead determined to return to Leeds and form a key part of next season’s promotion push.
Report shares update on Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen and Diego Llorente
Only two players from that group of returning loanees are believed to have the option to go on loan again, one of which is clearly Aaronson.
Jack Harrison is thought to be the other one, with a second temporary spell at Everton on the cards.
Reports from the Spanish press had indicated Marc Roca would also be joining Real Betis on loan again, and it will be interesting to see if that is the case. Betis’ sporting director has confirmed a deal is 99 per cent done, but it remains to be seen in what capacity.
That leaves only Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen and Diego Llorente and according to Leeds Live, not one of those players has a clause in their respective contract that allows them to leave on loan again.
Wober enjoyed a good season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach but unfortunately, they are unable to meet Leeds’ asking price for a permanent deal at this stage.
The Austria international has already admitted he does not know what his future holds this summer and it will be interesting to see if other clubs come in for him, or if he stays at Leeds.
Kristensen and Llorente, meanwhile, were both together at AS Roma last term. The Serie A giants are still mulling over whether to complete a permanent deal for the latter, but the former will not be returning.
Graham Smyth shares what Leeds felt about Kristensen departure
Some of those loan departures certainly left a more bitter taste in the mouth than others, and according to Graham Smyth, Kristensen was one of them.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Inside Elland Road Podcast‘, Leeds had expected Kristensen to stick around and were therefore left disappointed at his decision to leave.
It remains to be seen if that plays a part in Leeds’ willingness to welcome him back this summer.
He said: “From what I’m led to believe, there were players who Leeds got a sense from or had a sense about that they would stay. They’d be willing to fight, and off he went. They thought Kristensen would stay,” he said.
“I don’t know if his fault, or a miscommunication or Leeds misinterpreting the situation. But it certainly came as a bit of a shock. It was a surprise and a disappointment to Leeds when he toddled off to Rome.”