Former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch makes compelling case for Brenden Aaronson transfer

Jesse Marsch believes there will be “plenty of suitors” for Brenden Aaronson if Leeds United decide to offload the striker this summer. Aaronson endured a frustrating year at Elland Road last year as the Whites failed to retain their Premier League status.

The American international has exercised a release clause to leave on loan at Champions League side Union Berlin ahead of the 2023/24 season. But Aaronson failed to make much of an impact in Germany. He started 12 league matches, coming on as a substitute in a further 16, scoring twice. With two games remaining, Union are currently two points above the Bundesliga relegation play-off spot.

Aaronson is one of a host of United players that boss Daniel Farke will have to make a decision on following their play-off campaign. Several players are set to return to Elland Road following season-long loan spells, including Marc Roca, Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Jack Harrison and Sam Greenwood.

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Former United boss Marsch brought Aaronson to West Yorkshire. It was the third time Marsch and Aaronson have worked closely together in their careers, having previously enjoyed spells with both the New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg.

Speaking to CBS Sports Tell him what you want podcast, Marsch said he wasn’t sure if Berlin would try to turn Aaronson’s deal into a permanent transfer. “I don’t really know what the thought process would be,” he said. “I know the fans have been very hard on all the players who have left, who have clauses in their contracts to be loaned out or have been sold.

“I’m not sure what the state or the mindset is of what’s going on with the club.”

Regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, Marsch expects there to be “plenty of suitors all over Europe” for Aaronson when the transfer window reopens. Marsch said: “One thing we do know is he has to get back to normal minutes. In the second half of the season, he asserted himself more, played a bit more and performed better overall.

“He’s a great kid. He is a really quality player. He will always do everything he can for the team, I just want to see him excel, I want to see him go somewhere where the type of football he can play is fueled, where he can be rewarded.

“I think he’s going to find that. I’m not sure where it’s going to be, but I think he’s going to find that.”