Brenden Aaronson will return to Leeds United this summer as a new signing, having confirmed his participation in next season’s promotion push, and he has remarked on a Leeds decision this week.
Leeds paid £25 million two years ago to recruit 23-year-old Aaronson from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg. The playmaker was Jesse Marsch’s first signing, and he arrived with a lot of buzz and expectations.
He had previously competed in the Champions League with Salzburg, excelling in the knockout stages against Bayern Munich during the 2021-22 season. The same campaign in which leads remained active on the final day.
However, Aaronson, like many of Marsch and Victor Orta’s signings at the time, underperformed. Leeds fans criticised the American ace for his lack of aggressiveness and goal participation, as well as his £25 million fee.
Brenden Aaronson returns to Leeds as a new signing.
Following relegation, Aaronson drew additional criticism for exploiting Victor Orta’s loan relegation clause to abandon ship. He departed Leeds rather than try to help the club get promoted after having a role in its relegation.
Aaronson was one of eight players who moved to Union Berlin. Again, Aaronson struggled, but he proved his worth as Union avoided relegation on the penultimate day with a 2-1 victory over Freiburg.
After speaking with Daniel Farke, Aaronson will return to Leeds. He believes he still has unfinished business at the club, although he will not be accompanied by Archie Gray next season, who has transferred to Tottenham for £40 million.
Aaronson reacts after Gray leaves Leeds to join Tottenham.
Gray issued a poignant message to Leeds fans following his departure, which Leeds characterized as painful in their subsequent statement. However, the deal proved vital for the club’s finances.
Using Instagram, the adolescent star praised individuals who helped him reach where he is, among other things. Many have responded to the England U21 star’s decision, which will see him compete in the Europa League.
Aaronson made his comments while playing in the Copa America, where Gregg Berhalter’s side was eliminated in the group stage by Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, among others. Aaronson added four words to Gray’s post.
