Brenden Aaronson breaks silence on his decision to leave Leeds United in 2023 and use Victor Orta’s relegation clause

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Brenden Aaronson was one of eight players to leave Leeds United on loan using Victor Orta’s relegation clause in the summer of 2023, but only one of two to return to Elland Road this summer.

Aaronson went to Germany with Union Berlin in 2023, joining Robin Koch and Max Wober in moving to the Bundesliga. Marc Roca went to Betis, Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen moved to AS Roma.

Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra remained in the Premier League with Everton and Bournemouth, and both remain there this season with Harrison rejoining on loan and Sinisterra signing permanently.

Since then, Koch, Roca, Llorente and Sinisterra have gone permanently, while Harrison and Kristensen have gone on loan again, the latter moving to German side Frankfurt. Kristensen could join permanently.

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Brenden Aaronson shares why he “had” to leave Leeds in 2023

The American was Jesse Marsch’s first signing, costing £25m. But Aaronson struggled at Elland Road in his first season, his confidence fizzling out after the first couple of months, scoring once in 40 matches.

He went to Union and it wasn’t much better, with Aaronson scoring just two goals in 38 games as Union survived relegation on the final day. Speaking to GOAL, Aaronson explains why he had to leave Leeds.

“When I left, I had to leave for my head,” he admits. “I was in a tough place. I was young. I think I needed a change of scenery,” Aaronson said, during a long-winded interview while on USA international duty.

It’s going a lot better for Brenden Aaronson this season

But that is only because he has struggled in the past two seasons. Four goals and assists in his first season at Leeds, and then four more at Union Berlin – has been followed by five this season, in just 16 games.

There are still question marks. Former Leeds manager Simon Grayson is still doubtful over Aaronson’s end product, and if Aaronson is to reach his target of 30 goals and assists, then he will have to improve.

Aaronson is playing well, but he has so much more he can do and he would do well to listen to Daniel Farke’s recent advice. If Aaronson can maximise his potential this season, then Leeds will get promoted.