‘Like a wasp in a bottle’ – USMNT star Brenden Aaronson tipped to stay at Leeds & play big role in Championship promotion push having been ‘too lightweight’ for the Premier League

The United States international made his way to England in the summer of 2023 as he linked up with fellow countrymen Jesse Marsch and Tyler Adams at Elland Road. He was later joined by Weston McKennie when the American midfielder completed a loan move from Juventus.

Marsch failed to see out the 2022-23 campaign as coach, while Aaronson, Adams and McKennie formed part of a squad that suffered relegation into the Championship. They all departed, but Aaronson only headed to Bundesliga side Union Berlin on a year-long loan.

He is now due back at Leeds, after Copa America duty with his country, and former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes he could have an important role to play in efforts to secure promotion back into the Premier League. The ex-England international has told Football Insider: "From what I’m hearing, it’s only Brenden Aaronson, of the loan players, that’s coming back in. I think the manager is quite keen on integrating him back into the squad and into the side next season. He’s had a decent loan. But for all the other loanees, Leeds are going to have to cut their cloth accordingly, move these players on and get the best price they can.

“Aaronson is the one that’s going to come back in and the manager is quite willing to use him and integrate him into a Championship side next season. I think he’ll be okay in the Championship. He’s a little bit like a wasp in a bottle at times, but with the way Daniel Farke plays, he could structure him in and tie him down to a position. I think he was too lightweight in the Premier League, but he could do a job in the Championship for Leeds.”

Aaronson took in 40 appearances for Leeds during his initial spell on their books, but registered only one goal. He did not see as many starts as he was hoping for in Berlin, but another clean slate is now being presented to the 23-year-old playmaker.