Paul Robinson is astonished by Daniel Farke’s decision to reintroduce Brenden Aaronson into the Leeds United squad for next season.
According to Graham Smyth [10 June], Farke and other club executives met with the 23-year-old, and the midfielder agreed to stay at Elland Road for the 2024/25 season.
Aaronson spent last season on loan with Union Berlin, making 38 appearances in all competitions as the German club escaped relegation from the Bundesliga on the penultimate day of the season.
Robinson told MOT Leeds News: “I’m startled by that, but we may have to bring him back into the team. I don’t think he was good enough for the Premier League because he was too lightweight, got knocked off the ball, and lost possession too frequently.
“At times, he ran about a lot. His excitement and energy needed to be contained in a system. The Premier League did not fit him since it was too speedy for him. In the Championship, he might join the squad.
“He has good quality and has had a successful loan term, so the management has certainly noticed something. If Leeds had gone up, I doubt he would have been brought back. However, in a Championship squad, he provides legs and running strength, which matches how the manager prefers to shut down from the front.
“If you can harness him into a role, and get a bit more quality, there’s an opportunity that the manager has seen something.”
Leeds United plans to use Brenden Aaronson next season.
Many expected Aaronson to depart Union Berlin this summer after becoming a popular figure in Germany during his loan term, including an assist in the club’s season-ending game.
Few expected the American to return to the squad and help Leeds fight their way out of the division, particularly after they were denied promotion to the Premier League.
However, with numerous players linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, Farke’s decision to ensure he has enough squad depth in various areas of the pitch may be viewed as prudent.
