Aaronson joins Union Berlin on loan from Leeds

American footballer, Brenden Aaronson has joined Union Berlin on loan from Leeds United until the end of the 2023-24 season.

After a season where he was unable to save Leeds United from relegation to the Championship, the U.S. international will now hope to showcase his quality in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Commenting on the loan deal to Union Berlin, Aaronson said;

“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.”

Neither Leeds nor Union Berlin indicated if there is a purchase option in their deal for the 22-year-old.

22-year-old Aaronson made 36 Premier League appearances for Leeds last season after joining from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee close to 25 million pounds ($32 million) in the summer of 2022. He is joining Berlin on loan after the German club qualified for the Champions League for the first time. His brother Paxten also plays in Germany for Frankfurt.

Aaronson scored one goal in 40 appearances in all competitions for Leeds. He is the third player to leave the club on a season-long loan following relegation.

Diego Llorente and Robin Koch joined Roma and Eintracht Frankfurt, respectively, in similar deals earlier this week.

Former Norwich boss Daniel Farke has been hired as head coach and charged with the responsibility of trying to guide the club back to the Premier League.

Aaronson debuted for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) in 2020 and established himself as a key player during World Cup qualifying, playing in midfield and as a winger. He came off the bench in all four U.S. matches at the World Cup, playing 108 minutes.