Phil Hay says ‘magnificent’ player who has left Leeds on loan could now return next season

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Brenden Aaronson could return to Leeds United next season if they are promoted back to the Premier League.

That is according to Phil Hay and Tom Bogert of the Athletic, who recently put together a long feature as to why it went wrong for Aaronson at Leeds last season.

The 22-year-old arrived in a £25 million deal from Red Bull Salzburg with plenty of hype 12 months ago but aside from the opening couple of months of the season – which saw Jamie Redknapp label him as ‘magnificent’ – failed to get anywhere near living up to that price tag.

As such, Union Berlin triggered a release clause that became active once Leeds were relegated, seeing him depart – even if only temporarily – after just one season.

Aaronson is one of five members of last season’s first team squad to leave on loan this summer, with Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen all having done the same.

Hay says Aaronson could return to Leeds next season

In the deal to take Aaronson to Union Berlin, no option-to-buy was agreed meaning he will return to Leeds next summer.

If Leeds were to be promoted, Aaronson’s release clause in his contract would no longer become active, making it harder for him to be moved on.

As per the Athletic, a ‘return to Leeds isn’t to be discounted’ for Aaronson, who will still have three years remaining on his deal at Elland Road.

Should that happen, it is uncertain what sort of reception Aaronson would receive with Leeds supporters sceptical of any of the loan players returning to the club.

Instead, Leeds should be hoping Aaronson has a good enough season so his value is restored and Leeds can sell him for close to the £25 million they originally paid.