Brenden Aaronson is back at Leeds United but it was clear to see that supporters are still not won over bu The American’s surprise return, when he was booed on Saturday afternoon.
Both Aaronson and Max Wober were introduced as substitutes on 64 minutes as Leeds beat La Liga side Valencia in their final pre-season friendly. But their return saw some sections of support elect to jeer.
It is largely because of Aaronson and Wober’s decision to use Victor Orta’s loan clause and jump ship last summer following relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, leaving Leeds for Germany.
Aaronson joined Union Berlin on loan while Wober went to Gladbach. But Aaronson was also the subject of criticism due to his inability to cope with the physicality of English football, after costing a huge £25m.
Aaronson is back at Leeds and is ‘working hard’ behind scenes
His poor form in terms of numbers, didn’t help. Just one goal in 40 games for Leeds was followed only by two goals in slightly less games on loan at Union, and Aaronson has made the move to return to Leeds.
This is a crucial season for Aaronson. In the second tier, he has to shine for the Yorkshire side. Failure to do so and he may struggle to reach the hype that saw him shine in the Champions League for Salzburg.
But according to Sky Sports’ reporter Tim Thornton, he has been “working hard” behind the scenes at Leeds in order to prepare himself for the physicality of the Championship ahead of Saturday’s opener.
Aaronson needs to draw inspiration from Georginio Rutter
Not simply because both players are no.10’s. But because Rutter dropped down with Leeds into the second tier, with his stock at an all-time low. Fans were questioning why Leeds had spent £35m on him.
An expensive player renowned for his technique, skill, creativity and finesse. But not one for his physical attributes, Rutter went on to shine as he had a hand in 24 goals in 51 games for Leeds during 2023-24.
Aaronson must draw inspiration from that in what was a make-or-break season for Rutter. Whether he can, remains to be seen but Aaronson has put on weight in Germany, according to Tony Dorigo.
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