Brenden Aaronson will return to Leeds United next season to assist Daniel Farke’s side win promotion, but last night he was focused on the USA’s match against Brazil.
The 23-year-old has astonished everyone after news surfaced this week. Many expected the club to sell everyone who had used Victor Orta’s loan clause, but fans were upset when they jumped ship.
However, following an unimpressive loan spell at Bundesliga club Union Berlin, USA star Aaronson has decided to return to Leeds. He has declined offers from other teams and the Union, citing ‘unfinished business’ in Yorkshire.
It also makes economical sense. Aaronson isn’t worth much more than his original £25 million fee, therefore selling him would result in a loss for Leeds, which is a massive no-no in the eyes of Financial Fairplay.
So Aaronson is back at Leeds, but on Wednesday night, he came off the bench for the final 15 minutes of the United States’ 1-1 draw with Brazil in Orlando. Brazil opened the score, thanks in large part to a familiar Leeds face.
The USA media was thrilled by Aaronson’s cameo during Leeds’ return. After four minutes
Yunus Musah hit the bar from 25 yards. However, Raphinha found Rodrygo with a pass, and the Real Madrid player finished beautifully to give Brazil the lead.
However, Milan’s Christian Pulisic equalized shortly thereafter. A free kick right on the penalty area line, blasted low under the wall and past Alisson. Aaronson was given the final 15 minutes by coach Gregg Berhalter.
Indeed, Aaronson had a late chance to win the game; the ball was returned to him, and he was stopped from close range by Liverpool’s Alisson. CBS Sports gave a 6/10 rating following a strong cameo.
They stated that Aaronson did what was expected of him: “Almost had a winner in the match but was denied by Alisson from close range.” “Exactly the kind of performance you want coming off the bench.”
Aaronson, a Leeds player, is currently preparing for the Copa America with the USA.
While the majority of Leeds players will return for pre-season training at the end of the month or early in July, those who will be on international duty this summer will be granted additional time off.
Aaronson is one of them, preparing to compete for the Copa América crown. The United States will host the tournament, which will be played in groups against Bolivia, Panama, and Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay.
The United States will be favored to advance from the group, with Aaronson’s team and Bielsa anticipated to finish first and second, respectively. But from then on, Argentina and Brazil will be the favourites to capture the cup.
