USMNT star Brenden Aaronson sends message to Union Berlin fans after sealing loan transfer from Leeds: 'A year ago, I wouldn't have believed I would be here'

• Aaronson joins Union Berlin on season-long loan
• Midfielder could not stop Leeds from getting relegated last season
• USMNT star will play in the Champions League in 2023-24

WHAT HAPPENED? Union Berlin have signed Leeds United midfielder Aaronson on a season-long loan deal. The Bundesliga side will play in the Champions League for the first time in the club's history in 2023-24, allowing Aaronson to return to the competition for the first time since his days at Red Bull Salzburg.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The 22-year-old still has four years left on his contract at Leeds, who were relegated from the Premier League last season. He made 40 appearances for the Whites in 2022-23 following his £25 million move from Red Bull Salzburg but struggled to make an impact at the Yorkshire outfit. The American will, however, now have the chance to test himself against the best in Europe once again.

WHAT THEY SAID?: Aaronson said on the Bundesliga side's website: "Union's path and the success of the last few years did not go unnoticed in either the USA, Austria or England. Somehow, you always heard something about them. A year ago, I wouldn't have believed that I would be here and able to play in the Champions League with Union. I'm looking forward to the year ahead with joy and confidence and want to help us have another successful season." 

Union's managing director of men’s professional football Oliver Ruhnert added: "Brenden's commitment has made us very happy, he is a type of player we don't have who will be good for our attacking game. Despite his young age, he already has a lot of international experience and will complement our squad at a high level."

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WHAT NEXT? Union kick are set to kick off their league campaign at home to Mainz on August 19, after taking on Astoria Walldorf in the first round of the DFB Cup six days earlier. Aaronson, whose younger brother Paxten (19) plays for Eintracht Frankfurt, will hope to feature regularly in the new season.