Brenden Aaronson is loaned to Union Berlin for the 2023/24 season, the German club announced. After a season in which he failed to save Leeds United from relegation to the Championship, the US international now hopes to show his quality in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
“Union’s path and success over the past few years have not gone unnoticed in the US, Austria or England,” said Aaronson. “One way or another you always heard something about them.
“A year ago I would not have thought that I would be here and be able to play in the Champions League with Union. I look forward to the coming year with joy and confidence and want to help us have another successful season .” “
Aaronson transferred from Red Bull Salzburg to Leeds a year ago for an amount of around 35 million euros. He made 40 appearances for the Whites, but contributed just one goal and three assists in a Premier League season that ended in relegation. Neither Leeds nor Union Berlin indicated there was an option to buy in their deal for the 22-year-old.
A year ago, Aaronson was part of a fast-growing USMNT squad at Elland Road, while Tyler Adams also joined a team coached by American Jesse Marsch. However, the head coach was sacked in February and Aaronson could be followed by Adams’s, who has been linked with a move to Premier League clubs including Aston Villa and Brighton.
Aaronson joins a team on the rise in the German capital. Union stunned the Bundesliga establishment last season by matching Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at the top for a time, eventually qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history. Known for their direct approach, Urs Fischer’s side also stunned Dutch giant Ajax in the Europa League.
“Brenden’s effort has made us very happy. He is a type of player we don’t have and 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.” level,” said Oliver Ruhnert, general manager of men’s soccer at Union.