Returning Leeds United loanee Brenden Aaronson out to prove a point as start date set for Elland Road talks — YEP 6/6/24

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By Joe Donnohue

Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson is keen to prove doubters wrong by demonstrating there is more to his game than just pressing and off-ball running.

Aaronson spent last season on loan at 1.FC Union Berlin in Germany’s top flight and enjoyed a late season return to form after a lengthy period in and out of the side.

His time in the Bundesliga mirrored his first and only season at Elland Road to date - Union were threatened by relegation for much of the campaign while Aaronson, for all of his endeavour, could not for the most part translate his energy and intensity into tangible output for his team.

The 23-year-old registered two goals and two assists in 30 league appearances for the Berlin club, although 16 of those outings were from the bench. It represented a slight improvement on his one goal and three assists in 36 Premier League appearances during his debut campaign at Leeds, which saw him make 28 starts.

“Assisting and getting goals is my main priority,” Aaronson told the Philadelphia Inquirer in a new interview ahead of this summer’s Copa América with the United States.

“Being creative in those scenarios, I think that that’s something that I’m continuing to get better and better at.

“People look at the pressing and that side of things, but I think I can do a lot more than that.”

Aaronson’s output was an issue of contention in the Premier League as Leeds dropped out of the top tier. Many supporters felt his four goal contributions did not reflect value for money on the £25 million investment made by the club in the summer of 2022.

“The last part of the season went really well,” the USMNT international added, recalling his time at Union which has now come to an end. “I felt like I was playing some of the best soccer I’ve played in a really long time. And it was really good, because the last 10 games I started and had a big role in helping the team get out of relegation.

“It was crazy, but I think that it’s built my character a lot. I’ve become better mentally.

“They [Union] made it clear that they would like to have me back if it’s possible,” Aaronson said. “But at this moment, I’m just being open-minded, taking it slow, and just enjoying life and enjoying being with the national team.”

The USA’s Copa América campaign could see Aaronson remain away from Thorp Arch until mid-July when pre-season preparations will be in full swing ahead of Leeds’ Championship opener on the weekend of August 10.

For the time being, the 23-year-old has made clear he will not discuss his club future until the USMNT’s Copa América journey is complete.

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