WELCOME BACK: “Unexpected name to the log” Daniel Farke set to remind Leeds Fans the comeback of 2022 Long forgotten SIGNING after player reveal ready to set fresh footprint on ELLAND ROAD turf.
Leeds United’s opening day 3-3 draw with Portsmouth was a typical display of the high-octane football seen during Marcelo Bielsa’s time at the club, with both teams going all-out. However, since then, Leeds have found their form, securing three consecutive clean sheets and collecting seven points along the way.
Daniel Farke’s side has also been effective in attack, creating numerous chances, with an expected goals tally of 6.7, the third-highest in the league.
One key player in this resurgence has been Brenden Aaronson, who has embraced the number 10 role following Georginio Rutter’s departure. So far, Aaronson has scored two goals in four matches, although he missed a great chance to add a third against Portsmouth. Still, there’s optimism that he can be the difference-maker in Leeds’ push for promotion, with hopes of avoiding the uncertainty of the play-offs next May.
### Brenden Aaronson – The Forgotten £25 Million Signing
When Leeds signed Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg for £25 million in 2022, it seemed like a smart move to help them retain their Premier League status. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. After a promising start, both Aaronson’s form and Leeds’ performances declined, leading to their relegation by the end of the 2022/23 season.
The American midfielder was heavily criticized for his lack of physicality, struggling to adapt to the physical demands of English football. Both Jesse Marsch and Sam Allardyce relegated him to a bench role, where he made little impact with the limited minutes he received.
Aaronson then spent the following season on loan at Union Berlin, but he again failed to make a significant impression, contributing just four goals in 38 games. After two disappointing seasons, many began to question whether he could get his career back on track.
Now back at Leeds, Aaronson is looking to turn things around, and so far this season, he’s rewarded Farke’s faith in him. The goal is to maintain this form throughout the season, and if he can replicate the standards he set at Salzburg, he could be a crucial player for Leeds.
### Aaronson’s Role in Leeds’ Ambitions
After coming off the bench to score a late equalizer against Portsmouth, Aaronson has started two of the next three games. His performances against Hull and Sheffield Wednesday suggest a player regaining confidence, with his display against Hull particularly standing out. A solid save from Ivor Pandur prevented him from scoring, but his creativity and smart play around the box demonstrated his true potential.
With Crysencio Summerville and Rutter having left the club, Leeds’ remaining attackers will face increased pressure, knowing they need to step up. Aaronson, in particular, will need to maintain his performance levels, as Farke has plenty of other attacking options to call upon.
This competition should drive Aaronson to elevate his game, and if he continues his current form, he could be a standout player for Leeds by the end of the season.
Although his £25 million price tag remains a talking point, Aaronson, at just 23 years old, still has three years left on his contract and plenty of time to make up for past struggles.