A long-term stay with Leeds United looks very unlikely for American midfielder Brenden Aaronson, but one of his former managers doesn’t expect him to wait long for a move elsewhere.
Jesse Marsch believes that Aaronson will be on the radar of several European clubs for a potential transfer away from Elland Road this summer. Aaronson is currently in the final two weeks of his loan spell at Bundesliga club Union Berlin, as he tries to help the side remain in the top flight.
After a tough start to life in Germany, Aaronson has featured more regularly during the second half of the season. The 23-year-old has made 36 combined appearances for Union Berlin, starting in eight matches in 2024 while also adding two goals and one assist.
Speaking on the “Call It What You Want” podcast for CBS Sports, Marsch praised Aaronson for his on-field abilities and his determination to continue improving as a pro player.
“There will be plenty of suitors around Europe,” Marsch said. “One thing we know is he needs to get back to playing regular minutes. In the second half of the season, he established himself more, played a little bit more and had some better performances in general. He’s such a great kid. He’s 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 it feeds into the type of football that he can play, where he can be rewarded,” Marsch added. “I think he’ll find that. I’m not sure where that will be, but I think he’ll find that.”
Aaronson’s up-and-down club form hasn’t hampered his USMNT status in 2024 as the former Philadelphia Union homegrown lifted the CONCACAF Nations League title last March. He featured in both matches against Jamaica and Mexico, earning his second international trophy and first since 2020.
A strong end to the Bundesliga campaign will certainly boost the growing stock in Aaronson abroad, especially if he helps keep Union Berlin from a drop back into the second tier.
