Graham Smyth: Leeds United fans might not want Elland Road return for Brenden Aaronson after what he said
Leeds United fans might not want loanee Brenden Aaronson to return to Leeds United after what he said, according to Graham Smyth.
In an interview with The Athletic on 8 November, the American international said it’s “possible” that his future could still lie at Elland Road despite feeling that a loan move to Union Berlin over the summer was the “best decision” he could make after the Whites’ relegation to the Championship.
Writing on the Yorkshire Evening Post website on Thursday (23 November), journalist Smyth said that the fans might not be entitled to “demand loyalty” from the 23-year-old midfielder, but that they are within the rights to decide they “don’t want to see that player again” after he took the “escape route” out of West Yorkshire.
“The most telling part of Aaronson’s interview is that admission that he did what he believed to be the best thing for him, not Leeds, and took up Union Berlin on their offer of an escape route,” said Smyth. “Fans might not be entitled to demand loyalty from him but they are entitled to decide they don’t want to see that player again.
“Second chances are a privilege, not a right, so whether or not Aaronson listens to the noise or reads social media, he must realise that even if he wants to come back, the fans might not want him to.”
Desire
It’s hard to really predict what would happen if Aaronson did return to Leeds after forcing through a move away from the club.
While he would potentially receive a frosty reception from the fans at first, he could earn back their trust by putting in performances that show he does have a desire and hunger to be at Elland Road.
The American said in his interview that he “loves the club”, but if he really did feel that way, then he probably wouldn’t have left after the relegation to the Championship.
It’s easy to say these things, but actions speak louder than words and, for all those players who left on loan over the summer, they have no right to expect a warm welcome back if they do play for the Whites again.
There is also a huge question mark over whether Daniel Farke would accept them back as he will only want players in his side who are fully committed to the cause.
In other Leeds United news, Weston McKennie has made a fresh Whites admission after what he did.