Brenden Aaronson Exclusive Interview: ‘I felt like I had unfinished business at Leeds’

Following talks with his agent, family, club and head coach Daniel Farke, US international Brenden Aaronson will return to Leeds United this season following a one-year loan spell at Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.

“For me, it was a pretty easy decision,” says Aaronson The Athletic. “I felt I had unfinished business at Leeds.”

Aaronson’s debut season at Leeds was not easy after a £25m ($30m) move from Red Bull Salzburg. Despite an active relegation release clause in his contract this summer – which meant he could have left the team again on a free loan – Aaronson has opted to return to Elland Road next season. There has been interest from teams in Germany and elsewhere, sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect relationships, the situation says The Athleticbut Aaronson had a lot of control over his future and chose to stay.

A positive conversation with head coach Farke assured Aaronson that the feeling that he should return was correct.

“It was a wonderful conversation,” says Aaronson. “The role he sees me playing, the games he’s watched about me, how I fit into the team and more importantly the things I can get better at.”

Aaronson also spoke to American teammates Josh Sargent and Joe Scally, who played for Farke before and had glowing testimonials of the German coach.

Aaronson is likely to join the USA this summer for the Copa America before returning to Leeds. (Photo by John Dorton, Getty Images)

Farke’s first season at Leeds was strong but fell short of promotion. Leeds finished third with 90 points and lost in the play-off final to Southampton. They will be among the favorites to be promoted again in 2024-25.

“It’s a grind. It’s a challenge I want to be ready for,” says Aaronson. “All I care about is promoting Leeds United back to the Premier League.”

Aaronson says he is returning to England with another player. Most obviously, he’s a little bigger. He put on a few pounds of muscle in Germany, working to improve the physical side of his game, and feels more ready for the championship.

“Playing in the Bundesliga is super physical, it’s just a kick,” says Aaronson. “The biggest thing I’ve learned this year is to work on my physicality. I got a nutritionist and I think I gained six pounds of muscle mass, which is huge for me. I had to gain weight. At Union, there wasn’t a ton of football. I was without the ball a lot more. It forced me to become stronger and win more duels.”

Aaronson’s debut season for Leeds was difficult, especially given the expectations given his price tag. He appeared in 36 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches in the 2022–23 season, culminating in Leeds’ relegation. Aaronson has been criticized by fans for his lack of goalscoring contributions as well as his lightweight build.

Previous coaches speak highly of the 23-year-old’s mindset and resilience, particularly Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin. Aaronson had to fight in Germany to regain his place in the team, as he spent a long time at the beginning of the season on the bench.

Aaronson finished the season playing a key role in keeping the Union in the Bundesliga. (Photo by Luciano Lima, Getty Images)

Union also ended last season in a relegation battle. Aaronson won his way back into the starting XI at the end of the year and this time played a key role in their safety.

“I definitely had to grow up,” Aaronson says. “Coming from Salzburg, where there were many wins and trophies, then in a relegation battle with Leeds. It’s tough. We were losing games, our confidence was low and it was hard for the players. Then you go to Union, where I thought I would play more, but that’s what you play football for. Play through it, get stronger.”

As he spent time reflecting and planning, Aaronson recalled one of his first interviews upon signing with Leeds two years ago.

“I said I wanted to be a big Leeds player,” Aaronson recalls. “My grandfather brought me this quote last week, so I was thinking about it again. He stuck to me. That’s what I want to do: I want to come back to the club and do special things.”

Top of the list? Returning to the Premier League.

“I know how big the club is, how much it means to people in town,” Aaronson says. “Coming back, I’ll do my best. All I want is to get Leeds back into the Premier League. I can’t wait to play at Elland Road again in front of our fans.”

(Photo: Pat Scasi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)