Brenden Aaronson is a rather controversial subject among Leeds United fans. And he’s not exactly covering himself in glory on the international stage with USMNT.
Brenden Aaronson was often targeted for criticism during Leeds United’s promotion-winning 2024/25 Championship season. That’s despite the USMNT midfielder featuring in all 46 of the Whites’ Championship fixtures last season, scoring nine and assisting two more.
Leeds United fans were unimpressed with Aaronson who often went missing in games. He scored nine times, yes, but in such a crucial position and in what was such a dominant Leeds United team in the Championship, more was expected.
And already, Leeds United have been urged to upgrade Aaronson ahead of their return to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season. Many Leeds fans will agree that an upgraded no.10 is vital for this summer’s transfer window and we have some linked names to keep an eye on.
Leeds United are being linked with Emi Buendia once again. Meanwhile, Jack Rudoni is linked with Leeds United following his impressive 2024/25 season with Coventry City.
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Brenden Aaronson poor in heavy USMNT defeat vs Switzerland
On Wednesday morning, Aaronson’s USMNT took on Switzerland in an international friendly over in the States. And in a somewhat shock result, the Swiss ran out 4-0 winners. On top of that, Aaronson put in a performance that sounded much like his performances for Leeds United in the 2024/25 campaign.
GOAL gave the 24-year-old a 4/10 rating, adding: “Ran plenty, but never really got a foothold in the game. Attempted just eight passes in his 45 minutes on the field.”
Sporting News meanwhile gave Aaronson a 5/10 score, writing: “Looked bright early on as he played on the left wing, combining with Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten well. Like his brother, however [Paxton Aaronson], he faded quickly and boasted just 18 total touches through the first 45 minutes, plus zero defensive actions and zero duels won out of four contested. A non-factor.”
| Stat | Aaronson vs Switzerland |
| Mins played | 45 |
| Passes | 7 |
| Pass % | 88 |
| Duels (won) | 4 (0) |
| Ground duels (won) | 2 (0) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 2 (0) |
Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United future in doubt as Daniel Farke eyes overhaul
Farke has multiple positions to bolster this summer. But recent reports have indicated towards the no.10 positions being an area of particular interest for Farke, who has several targets in mind.
One of whom is Eduard Spertsyan who worked with Farke at Krasnodar previously. And Armenian international Spertsyan has said he wants to play in top-level football in Europe in the future, possibly hinting at a move to the Premier League with Leeds.
Meanwhile, Leeds United have opened talks to sign Mario Stroeykens from Anderlecht. Stroeykens is an attacking midfielder and one who Farke is clearly fond of, putting yet more doubt on whether or not Aaronson is in the plans for next season.
If he’s not then the USMNT man could easily push for a move away, in a bid to keep himself in contention for the World Cup next year.
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