Report: 22-year-old has relegation release clause in contract, Leeds exit expected

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Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson has become the latest member of the squad to have a relegation release clause confirmed in his contract.

That is according to the Athletic, who claim ‘sources’ with knowledge of the situation are expecting it to be triggered this summer 12 months on from his arrival at Leeds.

The Whites spent the best part of £25 million to prise Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg last summer after having failed to do a deal in January earlier that year when Marcelo Bielsa was still at the club.

Aaronson, though, has failed to justify that enormous price tag with his only goal for Leeds coming in the 3-0 win over Chelsea in August, when he tackled goalkeeper Edouard Mendy on his line.

He is one of a number of players expected to take part in a mass exodus this summer after Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on Sunday.

Aaronson likely to leave

You would be hard pressed to find any Leeds fan with any sort of disappointment in seeing Aaronson leave after the campaign he has just produced.

After a decent start to life at Elland Road, it became clear pretty quick that Aaronson was not cut-out for Premier League football.

The 22-year-old would often get brushed off the ball by opponents due to his lack of physicality, speed and technique, much to the frustrations of Leeds supporters.

A year in the Championship could arguably be beneficial for his development but letting him leave feels like the best solution for both parties.

As yet, the value of his release clause remains unclear but it is extremely difficult to see any Premier League club pursuing a move for him based on his season at Leeds.

He may instead have to settle for a move to another European league which is less physical.