Performances may not have been good enough, but Brenden Aaronson has thanked Leeds United for giving him a taste of the club, players and supporters at Elland Road. Nobody made more Premier League appearances for the Whites than Aaronson last season, though he only managed a return of one goal and three assists from that pitch time.
Aaronson was the first arrival of last summer. The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract after Leeds paid nearly £25m to Red Bull Salzburg for his services in the days after survival at Brentford was confirmed.
“The season wasn’t good enough,” he said on Instagram. “We all strived for more and wish we did better. Despite these disappointments, I’m extremely grateful Leeds brought me to be part of such a great club with great team-mates and an amazing fan base.
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“I want to thank everyone involved with this year, including all the fans who came out to every game, start to finish, and supported us all the way. We appreciate it more than you know.”
As an American with previous experience playing under Jesse Marsch, it was hoped Aaronson would be the kind of talent to unlock what the head coach wanted to see in West Yorkshire. The influence on games never really materialised for the attacker, who will now be taking stock of his options.
Aaronson reportedly has a relegation release clause, meaning the Whites will have to accept a transfer bid if it triggers this valuation. Given how meek his first season in England was, it remains to be seen which clubs would be interested in the American.
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