George Overhill

Wed 8 November 2023 13:40, UK

Brenden Aaronson believes it is very possible that he returns to play for Leeds United again and has forcefully dismissed criticism of some in last season’s squad as “just noise”.

The on-loan Whites attacker told The Athletic on 8 November that he still loves the club and “for sure” could yet feature again back at Elland Road, despite making a loan exit to Union Berlin during the summer, believing the chance to play in the Champions League again would make him “better”.

In the interview his with the outlet his “affection for Leeds comes across as genuine” and the “only time he looks mildly annoyed” is when asked about “the clear sense that a section of the Leeds fanbase had turned against the U.S. influx”, which he said he didn’t care about.

On the prospect of an Elland Road return Aaronson said: “For sure, it’s possible. It’s not done and dusted or anything like that.

“I love the club. I love the guys that I was there with, the connections I made. It was just tough the way it ended.

“I felt like this was the best decision that I could make — playing in the Bundesliga and playing in the Champions League — to help my career and get me better. So that’s why I made the decision.”

In response to the the question about anti-American sentiment: “No, I didn’t hear anything about it. Excuse my language, but I don’t give a s***. It doesn’t bother me. I don’t really care what other people say. I don’t care if it was an American thing or anything like that. It’s just noise.”

And currently: “I try to stay in contact with all of the players as best I can. I texted Cry[sencio Summerville] the other day for his birthday. I see a lot of guys doing great there right now, so I’m really happy for them.

“I don’t have any bitter thoughts or anything like that because I just pride myself on being as positive as I can and rooting for my friends and the team I played for last year. It looks like it’s clicking right now and it’s awesome to see.”

Ship sailed?

Leeds United would probably prefer to sanction a big-money sale in the summer after Aaronson, 23, struggled to adapt to Premier League football despite a fast start last season.

But with his time in Berlin not proving to be a roaring success that might be wishful thinking unless he hits on an upturn in form in the coming months.

The American angle to the criticism of the likes of Aaronson, Jesse Marsch and Weston McKennie was a needless element, even if all three underperformed with the Whites.

While Aaronson’s perspective on the club and his teammates remains so positive it still feels like a long shot for him to return and become the player he was supposed to be when first signed.

There is arguably a more obvious gap in his preferred attacking midfield role than anywhere else in Daniel Farke’s squad currently though, so the German manager may feel that he can be the one to unlock the US international’s potential.

Aaronson addressed the fact that his body type isn’t seem to suit English football to point out the likes of Luka Modric as an example of another player who fits that description but could still perform.

In an ideal world the majority of the fanbase would surely be pleased to see an him return as an improved player from the Bundesliga and have a major impact on Leeds United yet, but whether it is possible is still another matter entirely.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has issued a verdict on the Whites signing a replacement number 10 who he is certain would be a “massive asset”.