Leeds United, having survived in the Premier League by the skin of their nails, have announced their first signing of the summer transfer window. United States of America international Brenden Aaronson has joined the club from RB Salzburg for an undisclosed fee.
The attacking midfielder will reunite with compatriot Jesse Marsch at Elland Road after previously working under him for half a season in Salzburg.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Whites, keeping him at the club until 2027. While the fee hasn’t been revealed by the Premier League outfit, sources indicate that Salzburg will receive slightly more than 22 million pounds for the transaction.
Leeds have had a long-standing interest in the American, with the club failing to bring him in last January. Aaronson admitted the same in his first interview for his new club while also claiming that he is looking forward to the season.
“I think it was around Christmas or January that I could see there was some interest and hearing about Leeds United being interested, it was a huge moment for me and I was super excited.
“We’re going to have a big next season and I am really excited to be a part of it. I know the team is going to be up for it, so it is going to be an important season. I am not even thinking about my off-season, I am just excited to get back into it!”
he told the club’s media.
Aaronson spent his youth career with Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union. The youngster played for Union’s affiliate USL club Bethlehem Steel (Philadelphia Union II) between 2017 to 2018, before graduating to the senior side just ahead of the 2019 MLS season.
Two stellar campaigns later, the attacking midfielder was picked up by RB Salzburg, for whom he made 66 appearances from 2020 to 2022, scoring 13 goals.
