Brenden Aaronson is reportedly set to complete a season’s loan from Leeds United to Bundesliga and Champions League side Union Berlin this week – but contrasting reports have emerged over whether there is a potential option.
Aaronson, 22, was the first player signed by Jesse Marsch as Leeds manager last summer. In a reunion between the two, the USA star joined Leeds for £25m from Salzburg. He made an exciting start, but ended with one goal in 40.
Phil Hay reported on The Athletic’s website on Monday that he is set to join Union – who finished fourth in the top tier of German football last season, qualifying for the Champions League. It will be a loan deal for 23-24 campaign.
The same report says Robin Koch is off to Frankfurt, to play alongside Aaronson’s younger brother Paxten. Diego Llorente is going back to Roma. But there are question marks over if an Union loan includes a permanent option.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg told his Twitter following, on Monday, a move would not include a permanent option. However, on Tuesday, 90Min say that there will be a permanent clause in Aaronson’s Union loan.
Contrasting reports emerge over Aaronson loan to Union from Leeds
Either the inclusion of a permanent option, or one without, would make sense. Aaronson is still young and given how much Leeds spent on him, there will still be hope among those upstairs at Elland Road that he can still come good.
So, not including a clause may make sense. But, going out on loan and not putting the wrongs right will anger Leeds fans. Aaronson did not live up to his price tag, and struggled to provide the numbers needed to avoid relegation.
Union have money to spend after qualifying for the Champions League and could easily include a permanent option worth a decent amount of cash. Either way, it would make sense. Time will tell, when official confirmation is made.
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