Leeds United have announced that midfielder Brenden Aaronson has signed a new three-year deal with the club.
The 25-year-old has signed new terms until 2029, which underline his rising status at Elland Road under Daniel Farke.
Aaronson signed a five-year contract when he first arrived from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022. However, when he struggled in a Leeds team which was relegated in 2023 and then jumped ship to Union Berlin on loan, few supporters would have expected to see him sign another deal in West Yorkshire.
As it is, the USMNT player has continued to surpass expectations since returning from that loan. He was booed by sections of the Leeds fanbase in the summer of 2024, but proved to be one of Farke’s most-used players en route to a 100-point title in the Championship.
Then again, after promotion, he continued to be a key player for Farke at a higher level, featuring in 37 (starting 30) of their 38 Premier League matches. After a summer of reinforcement, including the arrival of Harry Wilson, Aaronson has been given another vote of confidence with this contract.
Aaronson’s new deal follows similar announcements for team-mates Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle this summer.
Analysis
Aaronson’s new contract is a lesson in persistence and hard work. When he left the club in 2023 after relegation, escaping for Berlin and the Bundesliga while everyone in Leeds faced the Championship, you would have been forgiven for writing the American off.
He had been poor in that first year in England, and it added insult to injury when he ran away from the outcome. However, unlike many of those who left on loan, he did come back, and he did face the music.
Aaronson did not cower from interviews, answering tough questions about his mentality and loyalty to Leeds. He also took his medicine when, in the opening weeks of his 2024 return, he was booed by sections of his own fanbase.
Aaronson has successfully worked his way back into Leeds’ fans good books. (Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Slowly, but surely, he did turn the tide, however. At an admittedly lower level, he did prove effective for Leeds in the second tier. Farke waxed lyrical about his work rate and keenness to learn and improve.
Even in the Premier League, after promotion, Farke’s consistent selection of Aaronson through October and November defined the acrimony which began to grow on the terraces as results nosedived. The attacker was eventually taken out of the firing line, but returned to the team and memorably scored an exceptional brace at Newcastle United in January.
His form did ultimately tail off again and left Leeds with a decision to make this summer. With his prior deal expiring in June 2027, they had to sell or renew this summer. They have chosen the latter, and they clearly see further potential in the 25-year-old.
