‘Absorb the pressure’ - USMNT star Brenden Aaronson told what kind of player Leeds need as American playmaker bids to prove himself as Premier League No.10 in ‘massive season’

The Whites saw enough in Aaronson to draft him into top-flight plans back in 2022. The United States international was relatively inexperienced at that point and found the going tough among English football’s elite.

He registered just one goal through 40 appearances in a debut campaign that ended with relegation being suffered. Aaronson subsequently packed his bags for a loan spell at Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

A clean slate was presented to him by Leeds in 2024, with Aaronson going on to register nine goals and two assists as Daniel Farke’s side swept their way to the Championship title with 100 points. They are now ready for another shot at the big time.

Questions have been asked of whether Aaronson can be the creative spark that Leeds are crying out for, with former Whites defender Terry Phelan - speaking in association with William Hill - telling GOAL when asked if the American can prosper: “You know the Premier League, what it’s all about. We’ve seen players come and go and be destroyed in the Premier League. Leeds coming up now, it’s a big test.

“We’ve seen Leeds as a yo-yo club. If you stay in the league your first year, I think it’s always the second year that it hits you. Then you get figured out and players get figured out. It’s a big year for all of the Leeds players. It’s a big year for the club.

“Leeds as a whole is a massive, massive club. You need players who can absorb the atmosphere, who can absorb the tension, who can absorb the pressure, and who can galvanise all of the players around them - as well as the manager, as well as the owners, as well as the tea lady. That is what Leeds are going to need. It’s not going to be easy.

“I always say ‘first year they might get away with it, but then second year syndrome’. That’s key. Yeah, they can go out and spend money, but what type of player are they going to bring in? What type of player do they want at Leeds United? It’s a massive, massive season for all Leeds players.”

Aaronson is tied to a contract at Elland Road through to the summer of 2027. He has, however, found himself at the centre of transfer speculation in the current window, with it possible that a sale could be sanctioned if a suitable offer is tabled.