This summer, several first-team Leeds United players are expected to return after loan stints.
Following Saturday’s thrilling 2-1 victory over SC Freiburg, Brenden Aaronson, who had been on loan at Union Berlin, will be returning to Leeds United.
Several players, including Aaronson, were forced to leave Elland Road temporarily as a result of activating a loan clause in their contracts that became operative after being demoted to the Championship. After qualifying for the Champions League the season before, the American signed a contract with Bundesliga team Union Berlin, but things didn’t work out.
Union was fighting to maintain their place in the German top division, and Aaronson was having personal difficulties, frequently experiencing the same physical issues that he had at Leeds. The 23-year-old had a better start to the year, but even though he found his rhythm toward the end of the campaign, he is leaving Berlin.
“Brenden Aaronson joined 1. FC Union Berlin on loan from relegated Premier League side Leeds United in the last summer transfer window,” the statement on Union Berlin’s website stated. “His dashing style of play, speed, and, not to forget, his decisive goal against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, won the hearts of Union fans.” His tenure in Berlin is coming to an end, and he is heading back to England after 38 games, two goals, and two assists.
Without a doubt, Aaronson’s most memorable goal during his time in Germany was the “decisive” goal he scored against Hoffenheim in the 84th minute after coming off the bench. That would prove to be crucial in the relegation battle, along with the game-winning goal against Werder Bremen one month later.
Prior to the last day, Union had won their last two games thanks to those goals; nevertheless, bad results on either side of those wins had left them in third place and in the relegation play-offs. However, a penalty in the 92nd minute helped the struggling team upset Freiburg on Saturday; Bochum’s loss to Werder Bremen condemned them to the play-off spot and guaranteed Union’s safety.
Aaronson is the first of several loanees, the majority of whom have unknown futures, who are anticipated to return to West Yorkshire in the upcoming weeks. Due to an injury, Jack Harrison was unable to play for Everton against Arsenal on Sunday. Kevin Thelwell, the director of football for the Toffees, confirmed prior to the match that they will “continue discussions” regarding the winger’s future.
Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen may soon return from Roma, however some sources indicate the latter may decide to make his loan permanent this summer. Additionally, Marc Roca and Max Wober from Real Betis and Borussia Monchengladbach, respectively, are expected to return, even though both interim teams have stated that they hope to sign long-term contracts or extend loans.
Leeds may record that revenue for the current campaign after Luis Sinisterra’s loan move to Bournemouth was made permanent in February for over £20 million. Since Robin Koch has already decided to stay longer at Eintracht Frankfurt, his contract at Elland Road will expire in the summer.
Leeds won’t decide in solid terms whether to bring back loanees until their league standing is established. Sunday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley pits Daniel Farke’s team against Southampton, with an immediate return to the Premier League on the line.
