Brenden Aaronson is set to return to Leeds United as if he is a new signing, after making the surprise decision to return to Elland Road ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Jesse Marsch’s first signing in 2022, 23-year-old Aaronson reunited with the American manager having worked with him at Salzburg for a fee of £25m. But Aaronson really struggled in his first season at Leeds.
Just one goal in 40 games, in which he tackled Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. His lack of physicality combined with only four goals and assists in those matches was deemed unacceptable by Leeds fans.
One of Victor Orta’s eight-strong loan army, USA star Aaronson went on loan to Bundesliga side Union Berlin last season. Playing 38 times last season, Aaronson only had a hand in four goals but improved.
Danny Mills questions Brenden Aaronson’s true intentions
The USA star proved crucial in Union’s 2-1 win over Freiburg on the final day, which saw Union survive relegation. He got an assist in that game and now, Aaronson has committed himself to Leeds next term.
After a chat with Daniel Farke, Aaronson is ready to play a key role in this Leeds side next season and feels he has ‘unfinished business’ at Elland Road. But Danny Mills is unsure of the real reason behind his return.
He told GOAL: “Did he want to be there last time in the Championship? It didn’t look like it did it, he was happy to get out of the door as quickly as possible. Will he want to stay and prove himself again?
“You have to look at the individuals and look at their character. He didn’t want to be there last time around, so why would he want to still be there now in the Championship?,” Mills continued, to GOAL.
“As a player you grow, you want to play in League One, then the Championship, then the Premier League. To drop back when at your peak is difficult. It needs to be a special person and character to handle that.”
There could be another reason for Aaronson’s return to Leeds
When Aaronson joined Leeds, his stock was superbly high. He had just starred in the Champions League with Salzburg, playing attacking football from the middle of the park in a high-enery, high-intensity side.
He has since endured two really difficult years. Perhaps then, there is simply no interest in him and Leeds was his only option? If that is the case, then it makes sense for Leeds to keep the “tremendous” attacker.
Costing £25m, reports said Leeds were willing to sell for £10m. Even half that amount is likely to put off clubs. The best scenario for all, is to keep him and hope his stock rises like Georginio Rutter’s.
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