Leeds confirm first summer deal for US international Brenden Aaronson

Leeds United confirmed the signing of United States international Brenden Aaronson today, beginning what will hopefully be a summer of reinforcement as Jesse Marsch’s men look to bounce back from a disappointing 2021-22 Premier League campaign.

🤩 #WelcomeBrenden pic.twitter.com/YzgW2g4zFc

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 26, 2022

Aaronson, 21, has been a standout performer for Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg for the past two seasons, and making the jump to the top flight of English football by way of Salzburg continues a transfer pathway that has been utilized by the likes of Sadio Mané and Takumi Minamino.

Leeds shelled out a shade under £30million for the former Philadelphia Union academy graduate, who has been one of the brightest rising stars in the US player pool over the last few seasons, but the question will undoubtedly be whether or not Aaronson has been brought in to build on the current first team, or if he is meant to replace one of Raphinha or Jack Harrison.

Both first-choice wide players have garnered considerable transfer interest this summer already, and many reports suggest that Raphinha could eventually be on his way to Barcelona despite Leeds successfully avoiding the drop, while Harrison has drawn the attention of Newcastle United as the Magpies look to add quality under Eddie Howe moving forward.

But for Aaronson, the moment Leeds secured their Premier League future was a momentous moment that decided his immediate future.

Marsch and Aaronson also have an already-established working relationship as well after Marsch managed the young American in Salzburg during his first season in Europe after leaving MLS, and for Aaronson, a move to Leeds and the ability to reunite with his compatriot was a key reason behind his decision.

Should Raphinha depart the club, asking Aaronson to already fill the gigantic boots left behind by the Brazilian would be a bridge too far, but what is clear is that Leeds have secured a talented young footballer with a bright future ahead of him.