Double Leeds Utd transfer escape on as Brenden Aaronson lines up Bundesliga move; young prospect attracts Prem pair
Brenden Aaronson’s time at Leeds is set to end after just one season in Yorkshire with the American star increasingly likely to quit Elland Road this summer.
The American star moved to the Whites in May 2023, a matter of days after their dramatic escape from relegation on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign.
Costing £25.2m from RB Salzburg, the capture of Aaronson ended a six-month chase for his signature by then director of football Victor Orta.
However, despite a promising start at Leeds, Aaronson struggled to live up to his early potential. And while his effort for the Whites could not be faulted, a lack of end product was often the source of frustration for supporters.
A regular under his countryman, Jesse Marsch, Aaronson finished the season benched as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League with a whimper.
Indeed, having played 40 times in all competitions, Aaronson managed just one goal and three assists for the club. A disappointing return for what proved the club’s second costliest transfer of all time at the point of his arrival.
As a result, Leeds find themselves back in the second tier after three seasons and at risk of losing several top players this summer.
This feature takes a look at the 10 players most likely to leave Leeds United this summer.
And after details emerged this week of a relegation escape clause in his deal, it seems a move away from Leeds is starting to take shape for Aaronson.
And per Football Insider, the 22-year-old is likely to head for Germany this summer.
Aaronson has Bundesliga admirers
Citing sources close to the player, they claim the 30-times capped USA star has plenty of admirers in the Bundesliga. And despite his struggles in the Premier League, he is likely to head to Germany this summer.
Indeed, having impressed during his time in Austria with RB Salzburg, it’s likely Aaronson will depart Leeds for the Bundesliga.
And while exact suitors have not been named, his younger brother, Paxton, plays for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Aaronson earns a reported £45,000 a week. As such, Leeds will be keen to move him on as they prepare for life in back in the EFL.
He struggled to adjust to the physical demands of the Premier League and a move away will seemingly suit all parties.
He could be joined out of the Elland Road exit door by Cody Drameh.
The full-back spent the second half of the season on loan at Luton, helping them earn promotion via the play-offs.
But his future remains up in the air with his deal at Leeds due to expire in summer 2024.
Now Luton are keen to bring Drameh to the club on a permanent deal this summer.
Back in the big time after a 31-year absence, they believe they could seal his signing for a relatively-modest fee.
However, there is competition for his services from fellow new-boys Burnley.
The Clarers, managed by Vincent Kompany, are also admirers of the 21-year-old, believing he can effortlessly slip into their side.
Leeds, though, could yet decide to keep Drameh. They hope to seal promotion at the first time of asking and may seen Drameh as playing a major role. Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen are their other options at right-back.
